Sydneys POV

I dozed off a bit later for a while, his poetic words still in my head, making me feel like I was in a dream, or a movie that being said. The tension was still lingering between us even hours later. After he had been shaking my world like he had promised, twice, one might have thought that that would have released some tension. And yes, it had to some point.

But I was still left wanting more and seeing his longing glances from time to time I was wondering if he might feel the same way about me.

I didn't know if this was a normal relationship thing or just an Adrian thing but looking at him right now, it made me feel like nobody could possibly feel like I did around him.

It was just impossible, because clearly nobody could leave their home on a regular base and do anything but fantasize about their significant other or live out those fantasies with said person.

We both had tried to get some sleep again and for a few hours we actually had been able to do so. Now we were lying lazily on the bed.

At some point Adrian had turned on the TV and every now and than we actually had watched, but it was mostly glances and touches between us that had kept us busy the last few hours.

Even the most innocent touches sent jolts of electricity thorough my body and the ones that weren't that innocent at all... well I had no words for them.

It was perfection and I was almost contemplating just staying here with him forever.

It was too easy to pretend, that this was real life and that we didn't have a care in the world.

We hadn't gotten completely dressed today. Adrian was still wearing his boxers and I was only in my top and panties and according to his hands, which had touched my skin more times than I was able to count, he liked it that way.

I was lying on his stomach, legs across my side of my bed and he was playing with my hair while he was watching TV.

It was early in the morning and I knew it was almost time to leave.

I think we both did, but neither of us wanted to bring up the topic.

"What is our next step?" I asked after a while "I mean we reach Court and than?"

"We go from there. I think we should try to get Jacky there. I mean it was the plan all along. I´m still sure she will be able to help us. And getting you and her together still seems like a smart idea to me. I saw what you guys have been able to do before, so let´s just start from there. I think with a little peace of mind we´ll be able to come up with a plan and get your memory back. And regarding the Alchemist…" he sighed "I´m sure we will come up with something, too" he ended.

I slowly nodded. He seemed to make sense, even though the thought of me being such an essential and necessary part in all of this made me uneasy. What if I couldn´t do it? What if I wasn´t strong enough and by losing my memories, somehow also lost the ability to do… magic? Adrian had said I made progress a few days ago, but had I really? I remembered my conversation with Miss Terwilliger. She had advised me to practice magic, she had even given me a list of ingredients to help me make a charm. I had kind of given up on all of that after my night of failing miserably and than the next day, a lot had happened and we didn´t have the resources to actually do anything.

"Adrian?" I asked

"Yes?"

"Remember when we were talking to Jacky? She gave me a list of things to work on magic, I was just wondering if there might be a possibility to get our hands on the ingredients she mentioned when we are at court. I want to… I think I´ll have to put more effort in this" I finished.

He continued stroking my hair and when I looked up at him he gave me a smile.

"No problem Sage. Whatever you´ll need, I´m sure we will find it there. Especially with the right money" he said.

"So, what money are you talking about exactly?" I asked frowning.

"Don´t worry about it, like I said, when we are at Court, it will get easier. I have a few savings for rainy days. Besides, I can´t imagine it will cost us a fortune".

When the sun came up and we couldn´t pretend it was still night and too early to leave, we reluctantly had to leave the Bed&Breakfast. The friendly lady at the reception gave us instructions to a car rental close by and with one last glance at the red bricked house I turned a corner.

Getting a car was easy. Adrian had used our fake names again, just to be sure and I was sure he also used a bit of compulsion on the employe, because eventhough he checked Adrians ID card, he didn´t seem to notice, that it wasn´t his real name. I wasn´t particularly happy about that, but desperate times called for desperate measures. This time we didn´t bother to get a special car and it was just as well. It was a necessity and we were still short on money.

I was wearing the shorts and the blouse Adrian had bought yesterday and felt a bit naked below my waist.

They reached the middle of my thighs, making them shorter than anything I would normally wear, but Adrian had been talking about my perfect, long legs the whole morning and I was slowly coming to terms with the fact, that I was maybe overexaggerating. When I had put them on for the first time, I had refused to leave the room like that but since it was my only option had caved.

We had a few hours of driving ahead of us and it was a warm summer day. The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. Besides my own struggle with my outfit I felt content and happy. These last few hours with Adrian had been magical, plus we had almost reached our destination and I was feeling positive.

Adrians POV

I parked the car on a small parking plot in front of the big gates of Royal Court and we slowly walked to the entrance.

Two guardians blocked our way and I felt Sydney tense next to me for a moment. Than recognition lit the face of one guardian. I had seen him before, but didn´t know his name.

"Lord Ivashkov" he greeted me and than glanced at Sydney. He obviously was taken aback by me showing up with a human.

"Sydney Sage, Alchemist" I said flatly introducing her and both of them watched Sydney interested.

I was sure she was nervous, but by the look of her nobody would have guessed.

"What about her tattoo?" the other guardian who had been silent up till now than asked.

"I'm working undercover" Sydney said witty and the guardian nodded.

Alchemists and feeders were the only humans ever entering through this gate, so there really wasn´t any reason for them to doubt us. Feeders were not brought here personally by Moroi, so the Alchemist utterance was only logical.

"Okay than" he said stepping aside, while he was saying something I couldn't understand into the earpiece around his neck.

Sydney followed me and it almost felt a bit like coming home when the gates closed behind us. I had spent a lot of time here, but hadn´t visited lately.

A slight feeling of safety swapped over me and we made our way to go meet Lissa.

Sydneys POV

"Adrian? Is that really you?"

We both turned around and there she stood in all her beauty. Rose Hathaway, my boyfriend's stunning ex-girlfriend.

And your friend I tried to remind myself, but seeing her now only made me feel dull in comparison. Her body, her exotic look, her hair. I tried hard not to grimace. What was wrong with me? Adrian was with me and I knew he loved me, so there really wasn´t any reason to feel jealous.

She looked at him in surprise and her eyes grew even bigger when she saw me.

"And Sydney? Oh god Sydney, is it really is you" she exclaimed and pulled me in a hug I reluctantly returned.

"Hello little Dhampir" Adrian said and it stung a bit.

She hugged him, too and than looked at me again.

"Are you okay? What happened?" she asked than looked at Adrian again "How did you find her? When did you get here?" It was a stream of questions and both of us just looked at her.

"Sorry, I'm just so surprised to see you" she said apologetically.

"Okay come" she said ushering us to sit with her on a bench "Tell me everything. I talked to the old man to find something out but even him, he couldn't help" Rose went on.

And than it happened. I was suddenly flooded by pictures of Abe Mazur, Rose father and I gasped.

It was all slowly coming back to me. Keith, my sister, Abe, Russia...

Adrian was with me within a second, holding my hand he tried to catch my eyes.

"Are you okay? What happened?" he asked.

I leaned my head against him, still breathing heavy. He wrapped his arms around me. Images were still rushing through my mind and he carefully lifted up my head and softly brushed over my cheek, worry all over his face.

"I remembered something" I whispered and he looked at me warily.

"Really? That's wonderful Sage, what is it?" he asked.

It took me a moment to speak.

"Abe Mazur" I than said, looking behind him to watch Rose.

Her jaw had basically dropped to the floor and it was almost comical to see her speechless like this.

She was holding up one hand gesturing at us and her mouth opened to say something and than closed again.

"What?" she than exclaimed, obviously lost for words.

Adrian turned towards her.

"What?" he asked confused.

Rose was still staring and than leaned against the bench. I could almost hear the wheels working in her head.

"Oooh" Adrian than said and Rose nodded.

I was silent, still too confused and agitated.

"Oooh?" she imitated him " Naaaah, that is not good enough. What in gods name is going on here? Are you guys... but Sydney you... and Adrian..." she trailed off again.

A small smile finally appeared on my face and it only made her more confused.

"Yea yea Rose, we are a thing now, get over it" Adrian just said and to our both surprise, he kissed me. It was a gentle, intimate kiss one that told me I had nothing to worry about because he was here with me.

Completely stunned Rose got up to stand in front of us.

"A thing? When did that happen?" she exclaimed, confusion all over her face.

"A while ago " Adrian commented nonchalant.

"A while ago? When? What about us being evil creatures of the night?" she asked, eyes on me now.

"Especially a Moroi, I mean what the fuck Sydney? What happened?" she added before I was able to speak.

I frowned "That was a long time ago" I replied.

"Long time ago? Sydney are you really..." than her eyes shot back to Adrian.

"Did you compel her? I swear Adrian if you..."

I watched Adrian, hurt all over his face.

"Rose, no" I responded "he would never do something like that"

She was still looking utterly confused but raised an eyebrow at him now, not too sure if he really wouldn´t do that.

Than she looked back at me and took a deep breath.

"So you are telling me, that you are in a ... thing with Adrian Ivashkov of all people?" She asked, eyes boring into me.

„Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Adrian asked.

She told him to be quiet with a wave of her hand "No hard feelings, but you kind of have a reputation" she replied, still eyes on me I saw Adrian giving her a pissed look.

"A reputation you didn´t care about if I remember correctly" he countered.

Rose gave him a quick look and pursed her lips before her eyes came back to me again.

I nodded sternly, taking Adrians hand for emphasize and to calm him down a bit.

She still looked stunned, maybe even more when she saw me taking his hand.

"Like really? Like girlfriend and boyfriend?" She asked again.

We both nodded in unison.

"Wow" was all she said.

I looked at her, trying to collect my thoughts.

"I know it's unconventional, but you can't choose who you love. I'm sure you understand that" I than said.

"Unconventional? More like unheard of. Well at least today. A Moroi and a human, that's just... wow" Rose replied.

A moment of silence followed.

"Rose , I'm not trying to be mean, but shut the fuck up. You've know Sydney even before I knew her . She is... amazing. I'm sure you know that. This is why I was so desperate to get help from Lissa, I had to find her. Because I love her. And that's why we are here. We need help" Adrian than said, even getting up to face her.

My heart skipped a beat when he said he loves me and I think so did Roses, but for different reasons. She obviously still thought we both had lost our minds.

"I'm Sorry Sydney, it's not because I don't like you. You know I do, I consider you a friend. I'm just... well surprised doesn't even cover it..." I nodded in understanding but didn´t say more.

More silence followed and none of us really knew what to say.

"You said something about remembering my dad? What's that about?" Rose than changed the subject and slowly sat down on the bench again.

I could see her still trying to process what she had just learned and I was more than sure it would take her some more time.

"I don't know what really happened" I said truthfully "they did something to me. Something to make me forget. I didn't remember being in Palm Springs, or meeting Adrian or even you for that matter. Some things are slowly coming back to me. Some I was only told by Adrian. I don't know how and I am not exactly sure why, but I guess it all comes down to me falling in love with a vampire" I said looking at Adrian.

"Yea, the Achemist didn't take that so well. They captured Sydney and did who knows what to her. She didn't even remember being an Alchemist. They even made her tattoo disappear " Adrian added.

Rose watched me closer now "Yes, I didn't even notice that at first. Wow that's crazy guys. So you... two... that already started in Palm Springs?"

Adrian rolled his eyes, obviously over that topic.

"Yes Rose. Like I already told you, it's been a while" Adrian said, annoyance all over him.

"We came here to seek shelter from my dads people. I don't want to forget again, I want to remember everything. I want my memories back, my life even. I want to live Rose" I finished.

"Adrian, why didn´t you come to me and told me any of this?" Rose than asked.

"I tried, I wasn´t actually taken serious if you remember. I was shot down by simply saying it was out of Lissas control. You were there, you know" he countered.

Rose nodded "We do a lot of stupid things for love…" she started, getting stuck on the word love for a moment "I would have tried anything if it would have been me, too. How did you finally find her?"

Adrian started to tell her about a call he had gotten and how he came to New York to find me. He didn´t go into details but gave her a quick summary of all the events that had taken place since we left New York.

"…and now we are here, hopefully safe for now. There is someone who might be able to help us. It was her we wanted to go see in Palm Springs, but since our plans changed we might have to bring her here" Adrian finished.

Adrians POV

"How can I help?" Rose asked.

"We need to get Jacky here, than Sydney and her can work on some kind of spell and maybe we…" I started but got interrupted by Rose again.

"Wait, a spell?" she asked, glancing at Sydney.

Sydney shrugged beside of me "Don´t ask me Rose I´m as lost as you are here. I mean I was able to touch magic a couple of days ago but all of this scares the hell out of me" she answered.

"So this Jacky person, she is a Moroi?" Rose asked.

I shook my head "No, she is a human witch like Sydney" I said.

I felt Sydney tense next to me and Rose frowned.

"Come on now, you guys are fucking with me now, aren´t you? I mean okay, I am happy for you both. You deserve happiness and as unexpected and completely crazy as this is… okay… but now you are telling me about human witches? And Sydney of all people being one of them?" she asked. Her eyes were wide now, making them look even bigger than they normally were and there was disbelief all over her face.

"Exactly. Crazy world we live in huh?!" I said.

"Adrian, I think it´s enough information for now. This all is new to Rose, let her process" Sydney said and I nodded. She was right, looking at Rose now, she was once again speechless. That didn´t happen too often though, so on some kind of level I was enjoying this very much.

"We wanted to go talk to Lissa first. I talked to her a couple of days ago before we had to get rid of our phones. I want to talk with her about bringing Jacky here and about our accommodation. I surely don´t want us to stay at my parents place" I laughed "On the other hand that would probably be interesting".

Rose frowned at me, than rolled her eyes "I´m sure about that, and sooner or later they´ll hear and see. But for now, I think it´s best if you guys keep it low profile. You never know who knows who and will talk to someone on the outside. I mean sure, the Alchemists won´t just storm in here or whatnot, but don´t you think it´s safer if they don't know about your whereabouts as long as possible?"

"Rose is right" Sydney nudged me "the more time we have the better".

"I´m sure it´s no problem for you to stay in guest housing. That´ll be on my head. I´ll go talk to Lissa and we´ll make arrangements to meet. For now, like I said, low profile".

I sighed. I knew she made sense, but there my dream went, being able to walk freely here.

The sun was just descending and fortunately not many people were up and about.

Right, most of the people here were on a nocturnal schedule. Something else I had to talk to Sydney about.

Rose accompanied us to guest housing and talked to the man at the reception.

"Okay guys, I got two rooms for you..." she started and I interrupted her.

"Why two rooms? We only need one. Rose were you not listening? How do you think our sleeping arrangements… "

"Adrian, I really don´t need to hear about your sex life…" she interrupted me and made a face. She gave Sydney an apologetic smile and Sydney looked like she wanted to disappear into thin air "… Why do you put pictures in my head Adrian? Anyways. Don´t you think it would raise attention if you, a Moroi, is sharing a room with a human? Think!" Rose went on, raising her finger to her temple and tipping on it.

"This kind of gossip would spread like a wildfire. Not that I think that guy at the reception is supposed to give out information like that, but still, better safe than sorry" Rose finished.

Sydney had been quiet up till now but started to speak now "Calm down Adrian, Rose is just trying to help. You don´t have to get all defensive with her. She is our friend and she is right here. Don´t worry, I´ll share a room with you" she said, giving me a smile that made me forget all the unease I felt inside of me.

Rose made a face but she didn´t look as disturbed as she had been before, plus Sydney was right, I had been feeling judged by her before and hadn´t acted rationally.

"My gorgeous, smart girlfriend is right, Sorry little Damphir. It´s just been some hectic days" I apologized.

It wasn´t the complete truth, I had spent some amazing hours with Sydney these past few weeks, but that was none of Roses business.

"All good. You guys are kind of cute together. And Sydney being a voice of reason is something you definitely need Adrian" Rose replied.

If only she knew how unreasonable Sydney could be in certain areas. But once again, that was between Sydney and I.

She handed us our room keys and promised to be in touch later tonight.

We said our goodbyes and she left us. She had already taken a few steps, when she turned around again.

"Nice outfit by the way Sydney, who would have thought you have great legs like that" Rose said with a wink.

"See I told you" I said, nudging Sydney who in return chuckled softly and rolled her eyes.

"Okay okay, I believe you" she said in a low voice.

"You better do. Or do I have to show you again how goddamn sexy you are" I asked smugly.

She smirked at me "Well, maybe you should, just to be save"