AN – I'm back! Thank you for the reviews. And for understanding I needed time away.
In preparation for the VA Series coming out tomorrow! - Finally! A new chapter. Is anyone excited for the Series? I was when it was announced but after seeing some of the trailers and what I have read, I think they've changed an awful lot!
''Oh. I'm going to enjoy killing you. Slowly.'' He said with a sinister smirk on his face as he took a step closer. My sword went up and aimed towards him but before I could even bring it down, he ripped it from my hand. Grasping the edge of the blade, throwing it off to the side. His other hand came down in a sharp hard punch to my abdomen and I screamed out as pain ripped through me and the world started to turn. My last thought being Dimitri.
Chapter 22 – The Awakening
DPOV
I awoke in a dream state. Last night was by far the best night of my life. I knew I shouldn't have done what I did, but I couldn't regret it. We were meant to be together right or wrong. We belonged together. Just having her in my arms again felt so right after everything recently. All the trials we had faced, everything had been against us recently and if we were anyone else, we would have walked away. Said it was too much that it wasn't worth fighting for, but I knew, in my heart we would always fight for each other. We would never leave the other, we belonged together, and we would always find a way to be together. Whatever faces us in the future. We would get through it. Together.
I rolled onto my side, reaching out and was met with cold sheets. I opened my eyes expecting to see the beauty from last night in my bed beside me, but she wasn't there. Nowhere to be found. I sat up, desperately searching for her around the room, noticing the soft glow from the candles that I went to sleep with was no more. Her clothes also gone. With a heavy sigh I collapsed back onto the bed. She'd actually left. My hand went to the bedside table, reaching for my phone but was met with a piece of paper. I shot up, snatching the paper from its resting place and read.
Comrade,
Don't be mad. We both knew I couldn't stay. I stayed as long as I could, until you fell asleep. You looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you up to say goodbye.
I'll see you around the lodge, I'm skiing with Mason in the morning so maybe afterwards we could meet up and go for a round two? You know, like you said we could if we found time?
I love you. FOREVER.
Your Roza.
I smiled as my fingers caressed the letters scrawled across the page, holding it to my chest and wishing I could respond. I sent a silent I love you too up into the air, hoping she would get the silent message. I stashed the letter in the top draw of my bed side table inside my latest western novel where no one would look for safe keeping. Knowing if anyone saw it, it would be game over. I knew I should burn it, but something in me told me to keep hold of it.
I took note of the clock, as I reached for my phone again and noticed I had slept later than I usually did. I was nearly 10am, way into mid-morning Moroi time. The moon would be high in the sky already. Maybe Rose was already finished skiing and I could go find her. I was desperate to see her again, the small amount of time we got last night just wasn't enough for me. Just as I went to get out of bed to go in search of her, my phone started to ring. Seeing Alberta's name flash on the screen I grabbed it sighing and answered. Knowing my plan to see my love was over and that duty came first.
''Belikov.'' I answered.
''Belikov, its Petrov. I need you in my room now. There's an issue. It might be time sensitive.'' She said sternly and hung up. Not leaving any time for questions or misinterpretation. She had a way of conveying a message in as little words as possible and I knew even after only a year of working with her you don't mess with her. And that usually her concerns were right. I sighed heavily and threw the sheets back, beginning my normal day to day routine as quickly as I could. I was up, showered and dressed within twenty minutes of the call and I quickly made my way to her room as quick as I could.
As I entered the hallway, I heard voices coming from a slightly ajar door, as I got closer, I realised it was Alberta's room. I quicken my steps, realising even more that this must be urgent if other people were involved. What shocked me the most as I walked through the door, wasn't the fact that there weren't many people in the room. It was who the voices belonged too. I recognised a male's voice, yet I couldn't place it. That voice was the reason I quicken my pace. I was through the door before the female voice could speak. Just as she did, I arrived, and all my senses went into overdrive. What the hell is going on?
''She isn't here! Why aren't you listening to us. We have told you we can't find her, why won't you listen. I can't find Christian either!'' Vasilisa shouted at Alberta. It was the first time I had ever heard her raise her voice at another person, let alone the head of the school guard.
''Princess, I am sure they are both fine. They said they were going skiing, you said so yourself, the slopes are vast.''
''I spoke to Christian last night. He said he would meet me straight after. He said he wouldn't be up there long. I waited where we agreed to meet, and he didn't show. Both of them are missing and you aren't listening!'' She yelled. I had never heard the princess like this before. She was always so to-do and articulate in the way she portrayed herself to the world. So regal. But she was barely keeping it together.
''What's going on?'' I asked. Entering further into the room so they could see I was there. It was empty other than Alberta, Vasilisa and surprisingly Adrian Ivashkov. Why was he here?
''The princess is concerned about Christian and Rose. She hasn't been able to find either. Have you seen them recently?'' Alberta responded. As she asked me, my heart leapt as the realisation of what the princess had just said sunk in. She said both. As in more than one. As in two. She meant Rose was missing as well.
''No. I saw Rose yesterday at training, and I haven't seen Christian, other than in passing for a few days. What time was you meant to meet Christian, Vasilisa?'' I asked. Alberta raised her brow at me, suggesting she didn't believe for a second that either of them were actually missing. I wouldn't usually either. It hadn't been that long, and Rose did say she was going skiing today. Maybe they were just on the slopes longer than they thought they would be, lost track of time probably. But something about this situation wasn't sitting right with me. My gut was telling me something was wrong. Very wrong and I wasn't one for ignoring my gut instinct. Not anymore.
''I was meant to meet him at 9 and head for breakfast together. I don't understand why they both wanted to get on the slopes early. Something about the snow being fresh? I don't know. But I waited thirty minutes for him to show and he didn't. I checked his room, nothing. I checked Rose's she wasn't in. I have a key to her room. Her bed doesn't even look slept in.'' Vasilisa informed me. Looking at me hopefully like I held all the answers. ''Will you help me look? Please?'' She asked and I couldn't refuse. She was my charge. I looked towards Alberta and she narrowed her eyes on me as if understanding the meaning behind what the princess was saying even if she didn't herself. Vasilisa just unknowingly outed us, even though technically Rose had left last night, but I had no clue what time she left. I slept through the night without waking, which was unheard of since I lost Ivan, and knowing Rose didn't sleep in her own bed makes me believe she stayed later than she should.
''I will go and look Princess. You stay here. I will be back.'' I looked towards Alberta again and with a nod of her head I was out the door. It was just after 10 in the Moroi morning, so the lodge was alive with people. Guardian's enjoying their free time but also being on alert. Academy children enjoying the time away from the academy with minimal rules. It was hard to enforce them to such a high level like we did back in the academy, but it wasn't impossible, but I didn't mind it as much here. Let the kids have a little more freedom. Soon it would be back to reality, back to the rules so why not let them have the freedom, even for a little while.
I first checked the restaurants. Knowing Rose, she would get hungry and would demolish whatever was left over. I walked around the tables, searching for her, but I knew in my bones she wasn't here. I had a sixth sense anytime she was near, like my soul could sense her soul and it brought us closer together. Pulling us together. There was never any point in fighting us. It was never going to work. I sighed as I continued looking, I had been such a fool.
Checking with the Guardian on duty at the slopes to see if he had seen any of them. He wasn't a school Guardian so couldn't be sure but from my descriptions he couldn't remember them. I knew he would remember my Roza, no one could forget her. I knew the way other men looked at her.
I gave up quickly and headed towards her room, knocking a few times then using my master key to enter her room. Just like Vasilisa had said, the bed appeared to be not slept in. I didn't see the clothes she wore yesterday anywhere in the room which just increased my bad feeling. I knew I would probably see them slug around one of the chairs or something, along with the rest of her clothes. But nothing. I turned and headed back out. Quickly loading the room allocations on my phone to see which was Christians and headed there. Which was the same as Roses, a dead end and appeared not to be slept in. What the hell was going on.
I was out of options. I had nowhere else to possible look that wouldn't take me all day. I was walking aimlessly back to the foyer of the lodge when an idea hit. I half walked; half ran to the gym. Hoping beyond hope I would at least find Rose in there. But knowing the physical strain of skiing as well as the activities of last night, I would be surprised if I found her in there. Then again that wild women have a way of surprising me.
I burst through the doors, running into the main room quicker than I thought was possible, I startled a few of the nearby guardians, who immediately went into defensive position. I quickly shook my head in reassurance. I scanned the room and quickly spotted a female guardian training in the corner. I approached her quickly knowing I wouldn't be able to just walk into the female changing rooms without some sort of backlash.
''Excuse me. I'm wondering if you can help me.'' I asked.
She turned to me, eyes narrowed into slits and huffed. ''Why can't you all the leave me the hell alone? I just want to train in peace!'' She yelled. Great I had offended her. How?
''Excuse me?'' I questioned, confusion lacing each word. ''I was just going to ask if you could check the changing rooms for me. I'm a guardian with St Vladimir's and a female novice cannot be located. She has a tendency of getting into trouble.'' I informed her and understanding filled her eyes, followed by a sheepish smile.
''Oh. Sorry. I thought you were hitting on me like the rest.'' She huffed, eyes scanning and shooting daggers around the room at the other males.
''No. I wasn't. What kind of person would hit on a woman with that opening line?'' I laughed.
''Oh, you'd be surprised!'' She replied, chuckling to herself. ''Give me two seconds and I'll be back.'' She turned on her heal and headed into the changing rooms, what seemed like five seconds later she returned with a solemn expression. ''No, no one is in there.'' She informed me. I just hope she was telling the truth.
''Thank you for looking.'' I muttered. Now where was I going to look.
''I hope you find her soon. And she isn't in too much trouble. I'm Guardian Melrose.'' She introduced herself, reaching a handout towards me which I took quickly. ''Sorry about earlier. I just want to be left alone, but for some reason the male species think I'm free game and up to be bothered constantly. I've been in here thirty minutes and already three guardians have hit on me.'' She sighed. I got it. I knew what it was like for my sisters. Although they had to contend with Moroi men who thought they could get a quick fix of blood as well.
''Guardian Belikov.'' I introduced myself. ''It is ok, I understand, sort of. I have three sisters back home. It's a shame the guardians don't have better morals though.'' I mumbled as an apology for the male gender. Making a bad name for the good ones
''Yeah well it is what it is. Right I'll get back too it. I hope you find her.'' Melrose said.
''Me too.'' I muttered as I turned and walked back out the gym. An idea hit me and as much as I didn't want to go and see her, I knew I had to check there. It was a possibility, but I'd been avoiding her.
I reached her door in a matter of minutes. Took a deep breath and knocked. After another minute the door swung open and a bright smile lit her face as she took in who was standing at her door.
''Dimka. So good to see you. I missed you.'' Tasha purred as she reached forward, her hand reaching towards me. I took a step back, out of her reach causing her face to fall slightly but she quickly hid the disappointment. She really needed to realise there was nothing between us. I swear she is delusional.
''Tasha.'' I muttered in greeting as she gestured me into her room. Reluctantly I entered, the door clicked shut behind me and I turned to face her. Quicker than I expected a Moroi she crushed her lips against mine. I froze on the stop, for a second not knowing how to react before my senses kicked in and I pushed her away. ''What are you doing?!'' I asked outraged. ''Why won't you listen to me?''
''You know its true. You know you want me. Why can't you just admit it!'' She yelled as she approached me again. Her temper flaring at my rejection. For a smart woman, you would think she would get the hint. I raised my hands to keep her arm's length away and she stopped her advancement. I sighed a sense of relief.
''Because I've told you, I don't.'' I sighed in response. Shaking my head and getting back onto topic ''This isn't why I am here. Have you seen Christian today?'' I asked, steering the conversation away from the awkwardness. I couldn't tell her why I didn't feel that way about her. It was all Rose. If I hadn't of met Rose, I may have taken her offer, even knowing Rose I still considered it, not the physical aspect of what she wanted but the guarding. It would have gotten me away from Rose until she graduated, and we could either then act on our feelings or could work together as the need for each other had disappeared. I knew now that was wishful thinking. And that, that need would never ever go away.
''You d.. Wait, what do you mean Christian?'' she asked raising her eyebrow at me. I sighed again that she took the bait. That and if she didn't answer me, I don't know what I would have done. Every second I didn't know where Rose was, it was eating at me. I just had a gut feeling she had done something stupid. I knew I should be more worried about Christian. But, how could I? The love of my life was missing. No. Stop. She wasn't missing. She was fine. I breathed in and out trying to calm my racing thoughts.
''Vasilisa is worried. She was meant to meet him for breakfast, but he didn't show and no he isn't in his room.'' I said before she could say he was probably still asleep.
''I haven't seen him, but I'll try calling him.'' She murmured as she walked around me and grabbed her phone. Dialling his number and waited. I held my breath, hoping beyond hope he answered his phone. After a minute she lowered the phone without speaking. ''No answer. Wasn't he going skiing? He mentioned skiing with Rose? He's probably still on the slopes.''
''Yeah probably.'' I muttered. Knowing I needed to get back to Alberta as soon as but also knowing I was lying to one of my closest friends. I'd already checked the slopes and they weren't there. ''I best get back to the princess.'' I muttered as I ran out of the room as fast as I could before she could approach other conversations again. This would be so much easier if I could just tell her I loved someone else. But then she would demand to know who, and I couldn't tell her that. No matter how much I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. It was too risky, to us both.
I headed back to Alberta's room as quickly as I could. I knew I hadn't been gone long. At the most I had been an hour. I headed in after knocking and hearing an enter. Relaying the information back to Alberta I could see the worry begin to take over her face. The normally composed captain of the guard was worried.
This is bad.
''Dimitri. I've called around a few off the other guardians since you've been gone. I've asked Alto to speak to the guardians on the main gates last night but there's just no way they have gotten out. The guardians know not to let them out.'' Alberta informed me. Deep down I knew she was wrong. There was way. Moroi. I saw the Princess behind Alberta getting increasingly worried. Both of the people closest to her were currently missing. I gave her a small reassuring smile. Hoping I conveyed my message clearly. I promised myself after this, I would spend more time getting to know those who are closest to Rose.
''Have you called Art? Or Celeste? Both are close with Rose. They'll want to help.'' I asked. Alberta shook her head and I reached into my pocket and dialled Arts number. ''Art, It's Dimitri. You need to come to Guardian Petrov's office now. Lord Ozera and Rose are..'' I hesitated. ''missing.'' Speaking those words. The word's I'd only been able to think and immediately refused to admit made it all true and I felt my control slipping. My heart beat faster in my chest and my hands began to tremble as I grasped the phone waiting for Art's response.
''Be there soon.'' Was Art's only response, as the line went dead I sighed with relief. That was the good thing about Guardian's, most of the time we kept things short. At least with him here we would get things done quicker, with his pull in the Moroi world. The worry I had refused to feel was started to set in. No one had seen Rose since last night, me being the last one to see her. What the hell has she gotten herself into!
''Art is on his way. I'm sure he'll contact Celeste.'' I informed Alberta, my voice breaking slightly. Alberta looked up from a document she was looking at and looked straight into my eyes. The look she gave me, of the concerned mother, I knew she heard the emotion in my voice. She looked around the room. Vasilisa was still in the room, but at the far end. Seemingly in a world of her own. I wondered if she was trying to contact Rose through the bond. Movement in my peripheral vision made my eyes turn back to Alberta as she approached me. Nodding in the direction of the further corner of the room.
''Dimitri. I know this is hard for you. But you need to stay focused. They will be around here somewhere there is just somewhere we are not looking.'' Alberta murmured low enough so that I was the only one who could possibly hear her. ''I've also put an alert out to all the guardians in this place, informing them we are unable to locate some students. So they'll be found shortly. You'll see.'' She smiled, resting a reassuring hand on my upper arm. ''We both care for Rose, but I'm not worried. There somewhere getting into trouble I'm sure'' she smiled at me, knowing Rose all too well it was the most likely scenario with the evidence we had, except my gut was telling me it wasn't the case.
''I know Alberta. I know. I just can't help but worry. What if we are mis….'' I was interrupted with the sound of a loud bang of Alberta's door as Stan Alto walked into the room unannounced, his expression unreadable but his eyes burning with regret.
''GUARDIAN ALTO! You do not barge in unannounced into my own private room!'' Alberta turned and stormed towards him but the expression on his face registered with her and she froze.
''Sorry Guardian Petrov. But I thought you would want this information. Fast.'' He turned and gestured to a Guardian behind him. He was a privately retained Guardian for a high up royal Moroi whose child attended St Vlad's. I couldn't remember his name, haste or something. I reached Alberta's side just as recognition came across her face.
''Guardian Chase?'' Alberta asked in a puzzled look. ''What are you doing here?''
''He has information.'' Alto said, nodding towards Chase to continue. Chase gulped and stepped forward, a worried look on his face.
''Guardian Petrov. I was on my way to find you when Alto found me asking about some students. I informed him about what I know and he told me to follow him.'' His eyes shot to me as my face hardened.
''Just spit it out!'' I yelled as he flinched. My patience were wearing thin.
''Well. I was working on the main gate last night when three students came up to me and asked to be let out of the gates. I didn't see an issue with it so I let them out. Then later on in the night a female novice found me and was asking about some other novices, I recognised the description she gave me and immediately thought of the other girl that was with them and told this novice what I did. That I let them out of the gate. She didn't seem pleased with my explanation and stormed off.'' He sucked a deep breath in and continued. ''It wasn't until this morning when I woke and realised what I had done and I figured I needed to come and alert you to the situation. The girl was Moroi and I believe her to of compelled me in order to let them out of the gate. I believe these 3 students to be some of those that went missing from Altos description of them. As well as the description of the Novice girl I saw later in the evening although I do not know where she is.'' He finished.
'What do you mean some students?'' I asked turning to Alberta.
''It turned out Mason, Eddie as well as Mia Rinaldi are also currently unaccounted for. We know Mason was meeting with Rose for Skiing so we are presuming Eddie joined to. Mia is the unknown.'' Alberta explained before turning back to Chase before I could reply. ''So what you telling me is you let three students out of a warded area? And that you informed another student what you did?'' Alberta asked to clarify. Chase just nodded in agreement, looking ashamed. ''What exactly did this girl ask you to do?''
Chase looked up into Alberta's eyes and I saw the dreamy look glaze over them. The typical look of someone who had been compelled. I shuddered. ''That I was to let all of them out of the gate. No questions asked. And that if they weren't back by the morning and someone was looking for them I was to report what I had done and why to you.'' He murmured.
''Well at least they had some sense to do that.'' Art muttered from behind Chase. I looked up and met his gaze as he zeroed in on me giving me a small reassuring smile. I saw Celeste just behind him. Both were dressed in the guardian clothes. For a second I wondered how their dinner went but as they had both changed I didn't want to pry to much before my thoughts focused back on Rose. I gave a small smile back in acknowledgment. It didn't take long for us to fill them in on the minimal information we currently had. ''Right. I'll make some calls. See if I can get a team together to search once we have a location.''
''Chase you are dismissed. If we need any further information from you I will be in contact. Alto go see if you can find any more information about Rose. And Christian for that matter. She might of used him to get out. Check with the guardians on the shift after Chase.'' Alberta ordered. They both scrambled out of the room quickly. Just as Vasilisa stood in the corner and advanced on us all.
''Can you keep me updated? I need to know they are safe. I told you something had happened! But I need to visit the feeders. I'll be back in under an hour.'' She spoke with a royal air. A request that could not be refused by any of us.
''Of course Princess. I will keep you informed as much as possible. Would you like me to escort you to the feeders? Or find someone who will?'' I asked.
''No. What I want you to do is find my best friend and my boyfriend!'' She yelled as she stormed out of the room. As the door slammed shut all four of us stood frozen. Never in the few months of knowing the Princess had I seen her act like that.
''Well that was new.'' Alberta muttered. I turned and raised an eyebrow at her. ''She's usually calm and collected. I've known her since she was four. And I've never in all that time seen her react like that.''
''The stress must be getting to her. That and the fact she can't access her bond to get to Rose like Rose can. I think she was trying to break through earlier.'' I muttered. Alberta eyes flashed to Art and then to Celeste in a panic. ''Relax, Art knows and you know Celeste knows. She was in the rescue with us.'' I reassured quickly, ever since Victor kidnapped the Princess we were keeping a lid on her and Rose's bond.
''Ok then. So it would appear we now have a total of 5 missing students, 3 of which we know for sure have gotten out, the other 2 we have to presume followed to either join or bring them back'' Alberta sighed shaking her head. ''And yet we have no idea why they would want to leave or where they would go!'' she looked around as if any of us would have some answers. We all looked at each other with unknown eyes until something dawned on me. Yesterday in the gym, when I told Rose about Spokane. I didn't know Mason was in the changing rooms but when he came out he was mad, I couldn't understand but now. What if he heard it from me? And then told Eddie and Mia. Mia, whose mother was just killed in the latest attack. She would be distraught with grief and seeking revenge, and Eddie would follow Mason anywhere. I raised my suspicions with the group, hoping I was wrong but knowing I wasn't.
''About that. I think I have an idea where they could of gone.'' I said as all eyes turned to me. Taking a deep breathe I continued ''And unlike Chase. I do not have compulsion as an excuse for talking.'' I muttered ashamed. ''Yesterday me and Rose met in the gym to talk after a situation that arose during Christmas at Lady Ozera's.'' Art coughed to cover a snort as I shot him a glare. ''Anyway. Before we met I was in a meeting regarding the attacks which ran late. Rose took it the wrong way because of what had happened and spiralled out about it. So I told her in confidence about the information we had received. Mason walked out of the changing rooms just as I finished with a stormy expression on his face.'' I explained.
''You don't think that could have had something to do with the fact you were meeting in private with the girl he likes?'' Art asked raising an eyebrow.
''No. I didn't say anything that would hint to a relationship between to two of us.'' I confirmed. Celeste gasped when I spoke so freely, looking towards Alberta. ''She knows.'' I said with an eye roll and a shrug. ''She even dragged me into her office and gave me the mother hen speech, or something similar I guess.'' I laughed as Alberta was about to disprove that suggestion but with a raised eyebrow she just chucked and nodded in agreement.
''So we think they are in Spokane?'' Art asked, bringing us back to the more pressing situation and just like that all joking was push aside and we focused back on the task at hand.
''It's the only place I can think of. Why else would they want to leave a warded area? They are senior novices. They are eager to get out there and prove themselves.''
''But why take a Moroi with them?'' Celeste questioned.
''For the compulsion? And Mia just lost her mum. She's going to want revenge in her time of grief even if she would be incapable of fighting them off.'' I replied matter-of-factly, the more I spoke this out loud the more it made sense.
''That still doesn't answer where Rose and Christian are.'' Alberta pointed out.
''I think Rose somehow got out. We know she's done it before, with the princess, and hid for two years. Who's to say she can't do it again. As for Christian I would presume that somehow he is with her.''
''You would be right.'' Alto said from the door again. Alberta shot him a look and he raised his hands. ''Sorry. I found some CCTV footage of them both. I asked Chase if he could remember what time he saw Rose and where and then searched the CCTV surrounding that area. Just after Chase left Rose. She ran into Christian and they spoke a while then took off. I followed them through the CCTV footage until they left the lodge, heading in the direction of the gates slightly to the side. I think they went out, going around the gate. There's no fencing. Just the invisible ward line.'' Alto informed us, out of breath from obviously running back to us with this information.
''That settles it then. All five of them must be in Spokane. Let's assemble a team and get approval to head out. Art can you handle the approval? It might be better coming from you considering your position. Dimitri, get a team together. Both academy and privately retained Guardian. I don't care who, just make sure they are good. Oh, and inform the Princess. No doubt she will want to join. Alto and Celeste you are to guard the Princess while we are out of the wards.'' Alberta instructed us all.
''Why doesn't Dimitri guard the Princess? He is after all her sanctioned guardian.'' Alto pressed.
''Because he is the better fighter, we are going to need him.'' Alberta said in her no nonsense voice. Alto nodded, shooting daggers at me.
I grabbed my phone and dialled the Princess's number, just as the call connected she appear at the door again. ''Perfect timing Princess. I was just calling you.'' She raised her eyebrow, giving me a gesture to continue. ''We are assembling a team to head out. You are welcome to join us but you will not be able to leave the base we organise. You will be protected by Stan and Celeste and are not to leave their sight until you are safely back behind the wards.''
''Wait? Your letting me come? Just like that?'' She asked, clear shock in her tone. ''I thought I would have to argue to come.''
''We knew you would so why waste time arguing?'' Alberta responded as explaination.
Just as she was going to respond, I interrupted ''I need to make some calls to organise a team. You can wait here until we head out. But right now we need to do our jobs'' I nodded towards the chair she was sitting in earlier and she went and sat down and watched us as we prepared.
I managed to get into contact with ten other guardians. Obviously one being Rose's mother who was shocked and angry that her daughter was missing again. She joined in on the planning effort as soon as she was notified. I was shocked that Alberta hadn't contacted her sooner, but I guess she wanted to protect Rose from her mother's disapproval that I could see rolling off her in strides across the table.
''Why would she do this?'' Janine breathed as she shifted through the information we had already collected from the strigoi in Spokane.
''Janine. It wasn't Rose.'' Alberta started but Janine laughed.
''Of course it was Rose. It's typical of her behaviour.'' She shrugged agitated. ''I just wanted what was best for her and this is how she repays me.'' She muttered, shaking her head. ''I gave up so much.''
I saw Alberta clench the table edging and shot her a look. Her eyes met mine and it seemed like we were having the same thought. If she'd been more involved in her life maybe Rose wouldn't act like this. I nodded towards her as she released the table. ''Janine, Rose went out after Mason, Eddie and Mia. It wasn't her. We believe she was going to get them and bring them back.''
''Then she should of informed the guardians. The ones who actually know what they are doing.'' She mumbled is disgust, showing a hint of exasperation at her daughters behaviour.
''She probably didn't want them to get into trouble and presumed they didn't get far.''
''Well she was wrong wasn't she. Now they are all missing. And potentially hurt or worst''
''Enough! We just need to find them!'' I shouted in frustration, now allowing what Janine nearly just spoke even enter my mind, even though it was dancing on the edges wanting to be given a thought but it wasn't worth thinking about. It just couldn't happen. Art rested a hand on my shoulder and gave me a meaningful look to calm me. I knew I shouldn't lose my cool but it was getting harder and harder the more time passed. The more time I had no idea where Rose was.
''Di…'' Art started, just as he was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. He gave me another meaningful look and muttered ''Its Hans'', as he stepped away from the table answering the call. I stared after him, trying to stretch my hearing to hear his side of the conversation but I couldn't, he had moved to far away, all I could hear was a mumble of his voice as he spoke back into the phone to his ear. He looked up to meet my eyes as if he could sense my eyes on him, hoping for the news we wanted. That we could go and get them back. That we could get her back. As he saw me looking at him, he turned away from my gaze but I continued to keep my focus, ignoring everything else in the room.
He continued talking and after around another 30 seconds I saw his whole body tense up, his voice raised but I still couldn't hear him, I took a step closer just as a hand rested on my shoulder. ''I wouldn't'' spoke Alberta from beside me. ''I know you are worried, but you are not helping this situation, you are not acting like you should. You need to keep yourself in check, we cannot risk your feelings getting out. The truth getting out. You know what is at stake here. I won't let that happen to her. To you.'' She spoke clearly but under her breath, to ensure only I heard.
''I know. I'm trying. But she is missing. And her mother doesn't seem to care'' I muttered back, glancing towards to stone faced guardian to my left who had her head bent over a tablet, probably going throughout the CCTV of the lodge we were currently at.
''She cares, Dimitri. She just has a funny way of showing it. She is the reason we got the tip we did of the princess's and Rose's location in the first place. Which enabled you to bring them back.'' She stated matter-of-factly. I raised an brow at her in question. ''Trust me. She knows people. And you would be wise to remember that when this relationship between you and Rose comes to light. You may want to remember this conversation as well.'' She implored with what appeared to be a smug but warning grin on her face. Suddenly dread filled me at her words. What possible people could Janine Hathaway have known to cause this reaction from Alberta. I wondered. I was about to ask when I saw Art on his way back to us, his face grim and the reality of our current situation hit me like a cold shower.
'Seriously?'' I asked, anger clear in my voice.
''Dimitri, he is the head guardian. He has a good reason for his decision.'' Art stated. I knew he believed that. He was once in that position, but Hans didn't understand this situation properly. He didn't understand what was at stake here. Who was at stake here.
''And what would that be?'' I asked through gritted teeth, my fists balling as Celeste came and stood beside me, placing a calming hand over my balled fists.
''Dimitri, you heard what Alberta said. Calm down.'' She muttered to me. I'd been that oblivious to the fact that she was in hearing distance apparently. I hummed in response while still staring at Art waiting for my answer.
''I'm sorry Dimitri. But under the circumstances I know what is going through his thoughts. We know there are Strigoi in Spokane. We know that's why they originally went and why Rose and Christian followed them. I explained all of this to Hans. He has said there is to be no mission. We are not authorised to go after them.'' He explained. ''Hans has said if Strigoi don't already have them, they will soon. They are as good as dead. So there will be no mission.'' Art stated simply. I stared at him, shocked, there was no other word for it. I was shocked someone could say that. Just as I was about to lose my cool I realised what he said. He has said authorised. The way he said it, let me know the truth. Han's wouldn't sanction a mission. He wouldn't willingly let Guardians go out after 3 dhampirs, 1 non-royal and a castaway Royal, whether or not that Royal was involved with the Princess or not.
''Authorised. You said authorised..'' I started.
''I see you picked up on that'' Art replied with what appeared to be a twinkle in his eye.
''Would you stop whispering over there and tell us what the hell is going on!'' Janine's voice bombed from across the room.
Art moved to look around me, and saw every other person in the room staring at our group. Including the princess. ''Of course. Sorry Janine.'' Art said. ''I heard from Hans. He is not authorising a mission. He won't sign off on it.'' A sob wrecked through the room and every dhampir turned to star at the princess.
''Won't sign off on it! Won't sign off on it! There is a Royal out there! Does that not count for something! The last two people I have! The only people I have left in the world are out there! I have no one else! And that doesn't matter to him?!'' She ragged. I stand corrected. This is the most outraged I have seen the princess. She was seeing red. ''My best friend and my boyfriend don't mean anything to you people?'' I flinched at her words. If only she knew just how much her best friend meant to me. ''Well they are everything to me! And if you idiots won't do anything to help them! I will! I will find someone to help me! I will not give up like you have! I know at least Rose is still alive! I would know!'' She shouted, walking into the middle of the room in a pure rage I had never witness before.
''Princess.'' Art treaded carefully. Approaching the raging princess. ''We never said we wouldn't go. However, this will purely be a voluntarily basis. And I believe I speak for myself and Alberta as the most senior ranking Guardians in the room that, if we go through with this and it goes badly, then there won't be a rescue for us, and when we get back we could very well be in a lot of trouble.'' He stated, his eyes moving from the princess to look at every Guardian in the room.
''I agree with Art. This is not a Guardian Council sanctioned mission and this may very well cause some issues on our return but they are children. They don't deserve this.'' Alberta spoke loudly to the room, not that she needed to, every ear in the room was trained on what she was saying. ''I will be going, along with Art. However, you should all think of the consequences before agreeing to this.''
''I'm coming.'' I spoke first. Then more lowly as I joined Art's and Alberta's side ''like you even need to ask.''
''Me too'' Celeste was next to join and I saw Art shoot her a regretful look. One I knew meant he wished she wouldn't.
Other than myself, Celeste, Art, Alberta. Janine and Stan and four other guardians decided they would go against direct orders from the head of guardians and join use. Out of the four only one was a privately retained Guardian. The others who didn't want to join would not report us however they did not want to face the consequences if their own charges were to find out they had left without their approval. Luckily for the one that agreed to join, he knew Janine and once another Guardian made this point, she promised she would speak to her own charge and inform him of the plan and ensure he smoothed things over with his own charge as they were close which meant he would stay on the mission with us. Otherwise we would of be worse than we already are. Already with just ten guardians, even with a good portion of us being good fighters it still might not be enough to fight against Strigoi if they have already be captured, we would likely loose good guardians in this mission, it was always the risk.
After it was settled as to who would be joining the mission. Luckily there wasn't much more to plan as the details had already been sorted in preparation for the go ahead of the council, just because it wasn't approved didn't change the details. That much. The only thing that changed was that it would have to be self-funded, which surprisingly Janine said she would sort. When I looked towards Alberta in surprise she shook her head and gave me a meaningful look and I remember what she had implied earlier. What she said I would need to remember in the future and again that shiver ran down my spine before I quickly focused back on the here and now. I could worry about whatever that was once I had Rose back in my arms. The only other thing to sort was that we would leave in 2 separate groups.
The first being immediately. The lodge wouldn't know yet what was going on. So we was using that to get some of us and the princess out of the wards before the other Royals found out and put a stop to her leaving. Because I knew that wouldn't happen. The second would leave in around half an hour when Janine gave a tip to her charge of the happenings as an explanation as to why she had left the lodge. They would leave on the pretence of ensuring our safe return, given the Princess was with us.
So, myself, Alberta, Janine, Art and Celeste all left on the pretence that the Princess wanted to go out shopping. Janine leaving before us to scout the area for threats. It wasn't so farfetched that a Royal would demand to go out of the wards, nor was it that the last remaining Dragomir would leave with so many Guardians for protection.
It felt like a life time before we was on our way to Spokane. Alberta driving with Art in the passenger seat and myself and Celeste either side of the Princess in proper guardian formation. We were all acutely aware of what we were risking bringing the Princess out here. Luckily we had the sunlight for protection.
We were headed straight to the Motel where we would meet up with the others once they arrived. Janine had gone ahead of us to meet with her contact and get the Motel set up, from there we would search the mall and spread out until we found them. I hoped they were still at the mall somehow and this would all be over, but I knew in my gut they wouldn't. The closer to Spokane we got, the worse the feeling in my gut got.
''UGH!'' The princess screeched beside me, making everyone within the car become on alert. I turned and raised my brow in silent question. ''I can't get through! Why can't the bond be both ways!'' she exclaimed in frustration. I could see her frustration. Rose could see everything the Princess did. Know wherever she is. The bond was an asset to Rose for when she would guard the Princess, so I could see why the Princess was becoming frustrated. When she was taken Rose was able to find her and all she wanted to do was repay the favour but she couldn't.
''Princess. It's ok. We will get them back.'' I spoke clearly and confidently, wishing beyond anything I could promise her we would get them back, but I knew I couldn't.
''Do you promise?'' She asked and I flinched. I knew, it was one of the first lessons we all learn upon graduation, never promise your charge anything because you might not be able to deliver. I also knew in this situation it could go bad easily. I was trying to avoid thinking off how bad it could get but there was always that thought in the back of every guardians mind, and we knew not to make promises we may not be able to keep.
''Princess..'' I started as I met her eyes but the pleading look in her eyes made me pause. I looked around the people in the car and caught Alberta's eye, she gave me a quite shake of her head and I knew what she meant. I couldn't make promises I might not be able to keep. I looked back into the princess's eyes about to say the one thing that would ruin her hope, but couldn't. ''I promise.'' I mumbled, knowing that I could be breaking that promise and then breaking her trust.
''Alive?'' She asked the following question with such a vulnerability that I hadn't heard in her voice before.
''I hope so.'' I muttered as I caught Alberta's eye again and the stern look she gave me set me straight. I just couldn't not make the promise we would get them back, because I knew, even if Rose didn't make it, I would want to see it for myself, otherwise I would never stop searching.
Vasilisa sagged into the seat as if all her energy had drained from her at my words. ''I guess that's all I can ask of you.'' She muttered in sadness, and I knew in that moment that it wasn't just Rose who was wise beyond her years. The Princess was also wise beyond her 17 years. She understood the very real possibility that this could not be a good outcome but was still willing to risk it on the hope.
The rest of the three hour journey was spent in mostly silence. After another 30 minutes the princess sighed loudly eventually gaving up on trying to open the bond and fell into a restless sleep, resting on Celeste's shoulder as we drove.
''We are here.'' Alberta spoke softly as she pulled into the parking lot of the motel where we would meet up with Janine.
''Shall I wake her?'' Celeste murmured quietly, looking back down at the sleeping princess beside her.
''No.'' I shook my head. ''I'll carry her up, no need to wake her until we know something. Let her rest, she is going to need it if this goes…'' my voice shook and I couldn't finish my sentence. I looked up at everyone in the car who was looking back at me with sadness in their eyes. I closed my eyes and taking a deep breath pushed down the emotions that were threatening to spill over and break free. I couldn't break until I knew Rose was back. I had to keep in control, keep my guardian mask in place as Rose had called it. ''Never mind.'' I muttered getting out of the car and leaning back in to take the sleeping princess into my arms and up into the room. ''I promise you this, I will do everything in my power to get Rose and Christian back to you. I hope for both our sakes they are alive.'' I whispered in her ear so no one would hear me just as we arrived at the door of the room number Janine had sent to us for when we arrived. Art knocked once and Janine quickly opened the door and ushered us in where we was met with a further six guardians. I quickly laid the Princess on the furthest bed from the door as Celeste took up a protective stance by the only entrance to the room and Art went and checked the bathroom ensuring it was secured.
''Art, I've already secured the room'' Janine muttered exasperated.
''Sorry Janine. Force of habit'' Art muttered in response as I chuckled.
''Anyway.'' Janine said, walking to the table which had been pulled into the middle of the room from the corner and had papers littered all over. ''They already searched the Mall, while they were waiting for me to arrive and they found nothing. Except these.'' She stated matter-of-factly as she pointed towards the other six guardian in the room who we still had no idea who they were. I could see us all eying them carefully. Janine, however was focused on getting down to business as she spread the papers out further and I realised there were photos included. The photos were tunnels of the Mall. Most were just tunnels with some scratche on the walls, proving that Strigoi were most likely the of been down there, however the photos that Janine pulled our attention to were random letters listened, two of each letter had a 'I' next to it.
''What are these?'' Alberta asked, picking up one of the photos and then another and passing it to me for a closer look.
''We don't know.'' Muttered one of the other guardians in the room. As we all turned to look at them, I raised my eyebrow in silent question and presumed everyone else also did. ''Oh, I am sorry. We are privately retained guardian who have been sent to help with the mission. My name is Alexei, this is Brandon, Igor, Nikita, Isra and Narin.'' Out of the six guardian, two were female which was impressive as it was rare to see so many female guardians in one room, let alone have 2 privately retained guardians.
''And who retained you?'' Alberta asked, stepping forward before introducing herself. ''I am Alberta Petrov, Captain of the Guard at St Vladimir's''
Alexei nodded in response to her introduction. ''We have been briefed on who you are. As for the who. We are not at liberty to disclose who we are retained by. But I assure you we have direct orders to ensure this mission is a success and the students are brought home safety.'' He responded and immediately I went on the defence. I didn't trust them at all. Who could they possibly be retained by and who on earth would care enough to send six of their own guardians to help strangers. I looked at Alberta and saw her looking towards Janine and with a shake of her head, Alberta didn't respond any further.
''What? That is it? You are just happy to not know?'' I asked shocked that Alberta was ok with this.
''Yes. Guardian Belikov I am. I trust Janine and know she would not of called anyone who couldn't be trusted.'' Alberta said in that same no nonsense voice she had used earlier in the day and I reluctantly let it go, knowing not to go against my superior. ''Apologise, you already know Guardian Hathaway. This is Dimitri and Celeste, both guardians at St Vladimir's and Guardian Arthur Schoenberg.'' Alberta introduced. ''And this is Princess Vasilisa Dragomir.'' Alberta nodded to behind us at the still sleeping princess.
''Nice to meet you all.'' Alexei replied with a curt nod in my direction, most likely acknowledging our mutual descent considering his accent. ''What's the plan now?'' He asked.
''We have another car of guardians following us on the pretence of coming to help escort the princess back to the ski lodge we are currently staying at in order to back us up. There is a further 5 guardians coming so we will need to wait for them before we move out as it is getting late so more Strigoi will be about. We need to ensure that at least four guardian stay behind to protect the princess. So if you wouldn't mind leaving two of yours behind to assist Celeste and Stan once he arrives in her protection. The more guardians who know the students the better.'' Janine stated. Alexei just nodded in agreeance and turned to his team.
''Igar and Narin. You will stay here and help protect the princess. Narin, you are in charge but listen to Celeste here. I am presuming she will be in charge while we are all away?'' Alexei asked, raising a brow towards Alberta and Janine. Janine looked at Alberta, knowing she knew who would be better suited for that position out of Celeste and Stan. For me it was Celeste. Because I trusted her more than Stan.
''Yes.'' Alberta replied, turning to look at Celeste near the door who nodded her head in understanding. ''I will leave her in charge of the princesses safety while myself and Belikov who is her sanctioned guardian is away. He is our best fighter, therefore he needs to come with us.'' She explained before anyone could question why I wasn't staying with the princess. For that I was thankful.
''Shall we plan while we await the rests arrival.'' Janine asked just as Alberta's phone rang. Alberta nodded as she stepped away from the table to take her call. We all set our focus on trying to decipher what the letters meant. Alberta was only on the phone for a minute before she joined us again.
''That was Stan, they are about fifty minutes out now, they got delayed at the lodge, so let's try and figure this out.'' Alberta muttered as she hung the phone up and just as she was about to put her phone away another shrill of her phone alerted her of another incoming call. She looked at the caller ID and saw it was an unknown number and held a hand up making us all be quiet. ''Petrov'' She answered. She listened to the other end of the phone and as she listened her face fell and she raised her hand to rest over her eyes and rub either side of her temples as if to relieve a sudden pressure. ''Ok. Slow down. Mason. Breathe.''she instructed. At the mention of Mason's name I become more alert, knowing we may off just had the first bit of luck handed straight to us. ''Just tell me where you are. What is the nearest land mark so I can send people out to come and get you.'' Alberta spoke urgently yet softly into the phone, knowing the importance to get the information quickly but also knowing that if she was too harsh Mason would be unreachable. I stretched my ears to try and hear what was being said on the other end of the phone but all I could hear was a males voice which sounded distraught and my heart sunk. There was only one reason Mason would sound like that, and that is if they had lost someone. My hand gripped the table tightly as my arms strained and I tried to keep it together. It's not Rose. It's not Rose. I muttered over and over in my head. It can't be Rose. I would know. A hand rested on my arm and squeezed quickly as I raised my head to meet the eyes of Art. I could see in them the fear he had for me. The concern he had for me and Rose at this point. He knew Alberta better than me and the fact he had concern was not reassuring to me. ''Ok Mason, I'll send someone now. Where is the house?'' Pause. ''Mason, its ok. Stay there and stay in the sunlight!'' Alberta muttered and hung up. Straight away dialling another number and was connected almost immediately. ''Stan, change of plans. Go to the gas station on Maple Street. Mason is there with the others, drop the other Guardian off and I'll send someone now to pick them up. Just bring them back!'' Alberta instructed and hung up. ''Alexei, can one of your guys go and get my guys?'' He nodded in response and quickly dispatched someone who left immediately.
''What's going on? You said others?'' I asked urgently and she looked at me and all I needed to know was in that look. Others didn't include Rose, but I still needed her to say it, I was about to ask again when Janine spoke.
''Rose. Is Rose with them?'' Janine asked, concern lacing her voice.
''As you know it was Mason. They managed to escape where they were being held by Strigoi. I couldn't get the full story of the how or where. All Mason said was that he and Rose had killed one of the Strigoi but then they got separated by the other and Rose yelled at him to get everyone else to safety and he had to pick. Between Rose and the other three. He doesn't know where Rose is now.'' He picked the other three who I am guessing were already out and in safety. But knowing Rose and the training she has had by myself and the Academy, They Come First. She would of ordered Mason away, just like anyone else would of. She knew it would be suicide for them both to stay. And depending on the state of the other three would depend on how soon they would need help. The fact she sent him away meant at least one must be in bad shape. She did whatever anyone in her situation would do. What she was trained to do. What I trained her to do. Again I felt a hand on my arm and I looked to see Art giving me a concerned look. I just shook my head, knowing there was still work to be done.
''My baby? He left my baby?!'' Janine shouted, tears in her eye. I was shocked. Since she arrived she appeared to not of cared about her daughter, ridiculed her at any given chance, hell she originally blamed her for this whole mess and yet now she was upset, distraught actually.
''Shh Janine. We will know more when they get here. Don't give up hope yet.'' Alberta murmured as she held a weeping Janine in her arms but as she spoke those last words her eyes met mine. She was saying them to Janine just as much as she was saying them to me. I could see in her eyes she was barely holding it together either. She saw Rose as a daughter, but there was also a twinkle of hope left in her eyes. I knew she wouldn't give up until we had tried everything. And neither would I.
We spent the next hour in complete silence. The other guardians had moved off into the corner to give us our space while we waited for the other students to arrive to get the answers I desperately didn't want to hear but knew I would need to make sense of how this could have happened. I focused my energy on trying to solve the photos in front of me. Anything to keep my mind occupied while we waited for news.
Another five minutes passed before there was a knock on the door and Art answered it. Stan entered holding up Castile who had blood running from his neck, followed by Mia and Christian neither looked to be in brilliant shape, most likely from the lack of blood. Mason was the last to walk in and one look at Mason and all I saw was red. He was basically unscathed except for a few cuts and bruises on his arms and face and yet he left her. The girl he claimed to love. He left. I completely forgot everything I had just thought. The rational for him leaving without her and just saw blind fury. As the door shut behind them, I took 3 large strides over the where Mason stood, face down looking ashamed and I was on him. Oh, he would look at me while he answers my questions.
''Where is she?!'' I boomed, the volume of my voice even shocking me as I pinned him against the wall forcing him to look at me.
''I… I….. I…'' Mason started with his voice trembling.
''Answer me! Where is she! How could you leave her!''
''She told me too! I didn't want to leave her but she told me too! She said I had to help them!'' He explained but I still wasn't listening to it, nothing would be a good enough explanation for me until I had Rose. My Roza back in my arms.
''Where is she?'' I asked again.
''Dimitri!'' Alberta shouted from behind but I ignored her. Staring down at Mason and ordered him with my eyes to answer the question.
''The hoo… House. It's not too far from the gas station. We walked south when we left the building. Only a few blocks. It was the only boarded up house in the area that I saw. There was only one left but…'' I dropped him where he stood, not wanting to hear any more of his excuses and turned to Alberta, I didn't even need to ask, she already knew what I was after and before I'd even finished my first step in her direction she had tossed the keys towards Art.
''Go with him. Celeste you too.'' She instructed us. They both moved at once as we all spun towards to door, it was then that I noticed they had laid Christian on the bed next to Vasilisa and that she was still asleep.
''Someone may want to wake the Princess and explain this to her.'' I murmured.
''I am coming too.'' Janine's voice muttered from Alberta's shoulder.
''No, Janine. You stay with me. Help me explain this to Lissa. You won't want to see this.'' Alberta murmured lowly as if she didn't want me to hear but I did. My step faltered at her word and I raised my eyes to meet hers and we had a silent conversation. She was stopping Janine from going, for me. She knew the likelihood that even though Rose was good, far ahead of her peers this was like a recovery now. Just the thought of that made me falter. She had no stake and with no weapon she was unlikely to be able to hold of the Strigoi for long, at least not this long. At the bare minimum it was over an hour since Mason first made contact and him arriving. The odds were not in her favour. Therefore, Alberta was giving me this moment to grieve for her in a way I know I would be unable to do when we brought her back. I would have to grieve as a mentor then. Not as her lover.
''I want to come.'' Mason spoke
''Oh no. You stay here. You ran once, you don't get to come back.'' I stated with venom in my voice. ''You left her. You don't get to come and rescue her.'' I continued as we all started headed towards the door. I still had a small ounce of hope left in me that somehow. Just somehow she had managed to remain fighting for this long and we were wasting precious time. With that thought I felt a sense of urgency. ''Let's go.'' I said to Celeste and Art. We quickly checked our weapons were secure before reaching the door. Just as I went to grab the handle to open the door an almighty and heart wrenching scream which will be etched in my memory for the remainder of my life ripped through the room from behind us. I spun to find the source and found everyone in the room was staring at the Princess.
''ROSEEEEEEEEE!'' She screeched while clutching at her stomach. ''ROSEE!'' and she started weeping. Clutching her head in one hand and her stomach in the other. Uncontrollable sobs wrecked through her small frame and she clung to herself, curling into a right ball. Christian was soon awake and alert enough at the sound and clambered of the bed, unsteady but with Stans help was able to get to Vasilisa and help calm her.
''Liss, what's wrong? What's happened? Are you ok?!'' he murmured while stroking her hair comfortingly.
''The Bond.'' He said and she raised her eye to meet mine and in that one look I knew she knew. She knew about me and Rose. She had somehow seen it. ''It's gone.'' And with those two words my whole world shattered. The small remainder of hope I had left was ripped from me. There was only one reason the bond would break.
''Are you sure, Princess?'' I asked.
''Yes. I saw it. Dimitri, I saw him.. I saw…'' she wept. ''H.. he… he killed her'' and she buried her head further into Christians chest. Without thinking I walked towards her and bent to my knees and grasped her hand.
''I'll bring her back, Princess. I promised.'' I murmured as I stood and turned to face Celeste and Art ''Let's go.'' They both nodded, knowing not to argue with me, nor did anyone else.
And with that. We left the room. We quickly got in the car to make the drive back to the gas station the other had been picked up from and then we would trace there steps backwards. Art drove, Celeste was in the back as I sat next to Art.
''Dimitri. I am sorry.'' Celeste whispered as a hand rested on my shoulder. ''I know how you must be feeling. I felt it too not that long ago when I heard about the attack on the Badicas. I know it's not the same as Art is here now, but I have some idea of the feeling you are going through right now. I am here. We are here, whenever you need us.'' She spoke softly.
''Thanks Celeste.'' I whispered. Afraid if I spoke any louder I would completely break apart.
This could not be happening. My heart felt like it was breaking in two and it would never be hold again. I turned my face, looking out of the window, as the last remaining sunlight glistened in the sky as Art continued driving in the direction of my lost love. There should be just about enough daylight to see us through the recovery of Rose. My Roza.
AN –
Finally, a new chapter is complete! I really struggled to get into the mind set of Dimitri in this chapter. I don't think I captured his feeling well but I was desperate to finally get a chapter out after almost a year of being away!
On a different note, there is a story I've read (could have been a one shot, I think it was) where Rose and Lissa are watching TV, (Rose and Dimitri are not back together at this point and he is her Guardian) and talking about the program which is on (Lucifer) but Dimitri thinks Rose is talking about him.. I can't really remember much of what happened but I've tried searching for it and I can't find it and I've just started watching Lucifer and now really want to read it again! Help! Please!