Chapter 12:

6 Months Ago: Dimitri's Point of View

Over a year ago, I never would have expected to be back in Baia with my family. When I had been reassigned to Princess Dragomir at the Academy in America, I was certain I would never return. Apart from the expensive flight, it was unreasonable that I would have the time off to see my family. I felt at peace being home and speaking my native language. It was almost as if I could restart and wipe the past year from my mind.

My family was overjoyed that I was coming back to Russia, with no plans of returning to America. I needed distance from Court, St. Vlad's, and Rose. She wanted me to be the same person I was before I turned, but I knew that left a permanent mark on me . . . it could never be erased.

I saw the struggle and plead in her eyes when she begged for me to talk to her when she confessed her love to me. How could she still love me after everything I have done? How could she look at me and not be brought back to the time where I would use her as a blood whore, convince her to become a Strigoi with me, and hunt her down. Every time I would look at her or hear her voice I would think of every wrong thing I did for her. I could not let myself continue to love her. I had to be selfless, so I let her go. It broke my heart to do that, but I knew it was for the best.

I continued walking down the old cobblestone streets of the small town, looking at young Dhampir and human families enjoying the beautiful afternoon. It was hard to believe that about a year ago Rose had been walking these very same streets in an attempt to find me. I used to dream of her being here and seeing the life I live, but I knew that was far from possible. I missed her presence and everything about her: strength, stubbornness, smile, and care. She drove me crazy and there were many times where I didn't want to mentor her anymore, but at the same time, her craziness drove me to love her.

I thought about her frequently when I first arrived in Russia, still wondering what she truly thought about where I'm from. One of the last conversations—before I turned—about Russia with her was telling her how it wasn't an arctic wasteland. Did she enjoy herself here, despite her mission to end the evil I had turned into?

The truth of the matter was, I saw Rose wherever I went around Baia . . . even in my home. My family asked how she was doing and spoke of her determination to end the torment I was in when I was Strigoi. She wanted desperately to find a way to restore me but didn't see how it was possible. They loved her as a person and even knew that she was completely in love with me. When I explained to them everything that happened with Rose before and after I was restored, they were upset but understood.

It was months later and I would occasionally think of Rose. I had come to terms with that there was a part of me that would always love her, especially for the measures she took for me, but I had moved on from that deep love I once had for her. Out of sheer curiosity, I was tempted to send something to Rose asking how she was doing, but I had restrained myself each time. I didn't want to interrupt her life, which I hoped she was living to her fullest.

Laughter and shrieks interrupted my thoughts, as I approached the local town pond. A mixture of humans and Dhampir's were swimming on it, in addition to many sitting out to bathe in the warmth of the sunlight. It was a beautiful day and, for once, very warm. Smiling, I took out my phone hesitating to send a message to Rose. I didn't know how many times I went to start a message but never ended up sending it. As I typed my usual message, I saw an excited familiar face approaching me.

"Dimitri Belikov, is that you?" the young woman shouted.

I stared at her, suddenly recognizing her. Wow, she had changed a lot since St. Basil's. "Klara, I hardly recognized you," I said, pocketing my phone and forgetting about sending a message to Rose. We hugged briefly and gave her a warm smile. "You have changed a lot since St. Basil's."

"And you haven't at all. Finally got the duster you always talked about getting, I see," She teased, tucking a few pieces of her blonde hair behind her ears. "I remember when we trained together you were always going on about the new Western book you were reading to strengthen your English."

"Still a hobby of mine," I grinned.

Klara and I had been very good friends back at St. Basil's and the only two in our class from Baia. We spent our years being sparring partners, prank partners, and sneaking around campus after hours. Ivan always questioned why Klara and I were never together, but we always brushed it off saying we were more platonic friends than anything else. After what happened to Ivan and I was reallocated to Princess Dragomir, we lost touch completely. Ivan's funeral was the last time I saw her and the guilt had eaten me up. I blamed myself for losing the third person in our friendship.

It felt great seeing her right now, especially since a few years had passed. "Finally got a vacation?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yes, finally. It's good to be home and not having to worry about duties constantly. But how are you here? I thought you were still allocated to Princess Vasilisa, even after you were restored?"

I wasn't surprised that she knew about my Strigoi phase. As soon as Lissa had restored me, the news spread like rapid fire. There were Dhampirs and Moroi across the world that wanted to come to Court and see me. Lucky for me, I got to see a few people and avoid reporters. I just wanted to disappear at that dark time in my life, to be swallowed by my guilt for each horrible thing I did. Now, I saw the light in life and I knew it was time to live my life to its fullest.

"It was never the right fit for me in America, especially after being restored. I needed to come home, so St. Basil's kindly offered me a teaching position," I said happily.

"No girl back for you at home?" She poked at me.

I shook my head, curiously looking at her. "No."

"Good because I would like to see more of you," said Klara boldly flirting.

I looked at her, slightly taken aback. As I looked into her green eyes, I realized that she was still pretty, smart, kind, and funny girl that I once knew. If you asked me months ago, I would have told myself I did not deserve another chance at finding someone, but now it felt different. I recalled what Ivan always said to me about Klara, pushing for me to give it a chance. Could there be something more?

Curiosity bested me and I agreed that I would like to see her more. We began walked the trail around the pond, catching up with everything going on in our lives—I made sure not to mention Rose, knowing that would be a touchy subject. Midway through the walk, I pulled my phone out of my pocket to tell my family I wouldn't be back for dinner. Then I saw the message I was going to send to Rose. I stared at it for quite some time, with Klara asking what was wrong.

"Nothing," I said, deleting the message. It was time to truly let go and move on.

Present Day: Rose's Point of View

I sat on Lissa's bed, staring over her shoulder and watching her flip through wedding magazines. She had only been engaged a few days and was already eagerly getting ideas and planning out nitpicky details that Christian wouldn't care about. Right now, she was trying to determine the bridesmaids color dress, which I was able to have a strong say in.

But would I even be back for the wedding? It was a morbid thought, one that I was trying not to think about. Lissa was still oblivious due to me not understanding how to bring up the fact that I would be leaving her for several months on a Strigoi hunting mission. She had been so happy lately, how could I stomp on that? Besides, I didn't have much opportunity to have alone time with Lissa.

Luckily, I was able to get some quality alone time with Lissa today. Christian was preoccupied with Tasha, Adrian was with some of his cousins, and Eddie was walking the grounds. The past few days had been spent with everyone celebrating the engagement, with Lissa even telling Queen Tatiana. I was pleasantly surprised that Queen Tatiana said that she highly approved of Christian as a husband to Lissa. Lissa was excited that Tatiana thought so highly of Christian, considering his family background. I personally thought Tatiana was in it for further approval from the community.

"Liss, I need to talk to you about something," I said, interrupting her thoughts about the wedding.

She gave me a side eye, then quickly looking back at a magazine. "Let me guess, you witnessed the proposal?"

I rolled my eyes, cursing how she just knew. "I honestly tried not to, but sometimes the bond has a mind of its own. Felt like Christian was proposing to both of us." I shuddered, while Lissa laughed.

"That is all you needed to tell me? Rose, that was a bit overdramatic. I was worried that something happened to you regarding Dimitri."

My face immediately darkened at that comment and I saw Lissa staring me down. There was no way I could mention the kiss to her. "Liss, Guardian Steele made me and Dimitri meet with him a few days ago. We have been selected for a mission to hunt the Strigoi groups that are killing Royal Moroi and the Dhampirs that guard them. We leave January 2nd, early human morning."

Sadness spread throughout Lissa rapidly. Tears began welling up in her eyes immediately after processing what I was saying. The bond told me that she knew there was a chance I couldn't come back. "They can't do that," She whispered. "We are bonded, they can't separate us!"

It took me time to find the words on how to reply to her. "It's unfair, I know it is. I tried talking to Steele, but Tatiana specifically requested that Dimitri and I go on this mission. There is no way that either one will budge."

"I'm scared for you and for me. What if you don't make it and I go insane like Robert Doru?" whimpered Lissa. "I can't do this without you and I can't get married without my best friend and only remaining family by my side."

"You have Jill."

"That isn't the same, who knows when she will find out about her true blood," She said, immediately pulling me into a long, tight hug.

I started getting emotional too, knowing that this very well may be the last time Lissa and I would have this time together. This entire situation was unfair, but there was nothing else that could be done. If Tatiana, Steele, and Alberta all thought that Dimitri and I were the most capable, then it was a done deal. Tears leaked out of my eyes, to join Lissa's tears streaming down her face.

"Promise me you will do whatever it takes to come out of this alive?" whispered Lissa.

I sighed, hoping that everything would be okay. It was hard to make this promise because I still didn't know the full extent of the mission and how many Strigoi there were. "I promise."

New Year's Eve approached quickly and it was hard to believe my days left at Court were soon over. The majority of my free time was devoted to spending time with Lissa—which annoyed Christian at first, but he came to understand. Lissa was thrilled about another New Year's dance, which took place during our Moroi mid-day and human night. The idea behind it was to celebrate the New Year with the entire human world.

My mother had arrived yesterday to see me before my mission. I could tell that she had mixed emotions—like myself—about my mission. She attempted several times to talk with me about my feelings, but I denied her. I didn't want to feel more emotional than I already was, but here she was in my room helping me pack.

"Rose, I don't think you will need this dress," Janine said, glaring at the skin-tight dress I had laying on the bed to pack.

I shrugged. "What if I have to camp out in a club? You know those are Strigoi breeding hotspots. I have to look the part."

"You can look the part wearing other clothes," She said crossly, helping fold a few other shirts and pants that were for sure going. "Will you even be in a city that would have a large club?" Hesitantly she folded up the dress, not making eye contact with me.

Rolling my eyes, I started zipping up a full suitcase. Now I really wished that I asked Lissa to help me pack because at least she wouldn't be so critical. But I knew it was best I didn't invite Lissa, especially since she would try to convince me to stay. If I actually had a choice, I wouldn't go.

"Classified," I grinned, happy to give her some sass. "If you're just going to criticize my life choices, then I will be happy to finish packing alone."

We packed in silence, neither one of us knowing what to say to each other. I knew what mom wanted to talk to me about, but I still didn't want to talk about it. Although my relationship with my mom had gotten significantly better over the past two years, it still was awkward and new. Never would I have expected her to purposefully take a few days off to see me before the mission.

Mom started walking over towards my desk that was filled with clutter. A disapproving glance on the state of my room, before she started to sort through the assortment of objects on my desk. She purposefully made obnoxious noise—in an attempt to get her point across—but I ignored her, continuing to hang up unwanted clothes.

"Are you going to bring this stake?" She asked.

I turned around to see her holding the box with my belated graduation present in it.

"It's absolutely stunning and it even has your name engraved on it. Was this a Christmas present from Adrian?" Mom added, eying me curiously. Then she came across the note, reading it slowly with her eyes widening. "Dimitri Belikov got this for you?"

"It was for graduation, but never had the opportunity to give it to me. It's just your standard mentor to student gift," I quickly said, covering it up. I really didn't Mom's business in the current Dimitri situation, especially when Lissa didn't even know what happened that night.

"My mentor never got me something for graduation," Mom remarked, with a click of her tongue. She put the cover on the box, then placed it in one of my suitcases. I wasn't planning on taking it, but I knew I couldn't do anything about it now. "Are you going to the dance with Lissa?"

I shrugged, putting the final things in my suitcase. "I need to read the mission file, still, and I'm not really in the celebrating mood. Lissa is going with Christian and it will be their first time at a public event since the engagement was announced."

Lissa was special enough to get a section published in the big Moroi newspaper about her engagement to Christian. It wasn't surprising, really, considering she was the last Dragomir alive. Ever since her parents and Andre passed away, the eyes had been on Lissa—especially wondering if she would replenish the Dragomir line. The article was completely sappy with it saying they had a forbidden love but denied the odds. Two Moroi being together wasn't a forbidden love. Hell, I was the one who once had a forbidden love with Dimitri.

I looked around the room when I was finished packing, feeling very at ease. If it wasn't for Mom's constant insistence then I would be packing last minute. Mom left the room shortly after I was done, leaving me in a very tidy and organized room—I knew Christian would be proud.

The only thing hanging in my closet was my dress for the party, that would be starting shortly. Lissa and I had ordered it weeks ago when she was adamant about getting me another nice dress. It was another typical Rose dress that flaunted my curves. The dress was a long sleeve turtleneck style, but was extremely short and embedded with beautiful gold beading. It hugged my curves tightly, making it feel more like a club dress than a Court dance.

I really didn't want to go, but knew I should make an appearance at some point. I threw on my dress and the matching gold heels while pulling my loosely curled hair to one side. Putting on a bit of deep red lipstick and dangly earrings, I knew it was good enough. It looked like I barely tried and that's all I needed.

Looking at the time, I knew it was a little too early to make an appearance. I absolutely loathed being one of the first people at the dance and I knew I needed to get through the mission file, just in case I had any questions. Sighing, I sat down at my recently cleaned desk chair and started going through the file.

The information really wasn't that interesting. It mostly gave background information on the Royal and non-royal Moroi that had been attacked over the years, in addition to their fallen guardians. There was also an entire section on the proposed Strigoi locations near the Academy and Court, as well as a few out on the West and East coast. There was no telling if these Strigoi campgrounds still existed, but it was worth looking at.

Putting up the finished file on the desk, in deep thought of what I just read. There was a copied section of the statements regarding Guardian Thomas's attack, but nothing on Hans Croft. That attack was planned, there was no doubt about it. Why was there not anything on him? Strigoi taking out the head of guardians at Court, in addition to two other experienced guardians and a Moroi that worked in the main government building wasn't suspicious?

Frustration clouded me and I briskly stood up, knowing who I needed to go to, Dimitri. I was surprised at myself for actually wanting to see him, but I knew that he would be the only one that would understand the hole in the mission. He knew what happened to Hans Croft and witnessed Guardian Thomas's last words. There was no way he was the only one who found that file incomplete.

Dimitri was stuck with patrolling the outskirts of the ballroom, which was a job no guardian would want. Having to look in at a party you couldn't attend, while standing out in the cold, was just cruel. I knew Dimitri didn't care since he hated parties in general.

I dropped off my coat when I entered the building to that the party was located, already getting a look from a nearby female Moroi. My dress wasn't nearly as bold as the Christmas party, so I knew she was just being bitter. Taking it as a compliment, I neared the entrance to the party.

A waiter brought in a freshly stocked tray of champagne glasses that immediately excited me. "Don't mind if I do," I said, snatching one off of the tray. The waiter gave me a rude look and I shrugged, before running back off to the area Dimitri was patrolling. Out of the corner of my eye, I managed to see Adrian flirting with some female Moroi girls while drinking. Of course, his "medication".

The air was cold and I instantly regretted checking my winter coat in. Goosebumps spread across my skin, as I walked across the balcony to admire the starry night. Laughter and chatter could be heard through the big glass windows to the ballroom, but I quickly tuned it out, to observe the stillness in the air and the land.

Leaning over the edge of the balcony, I stared out at the grounds taking in the site. It was hard to believe that soon enough I wouldn't be here for months. I had grown so accustomed to the way of Court and my usual routine. Feeling the warmth of the champagne go down my throat, I let out a long sigh. I needed this peace before I left.

"Why aren't you at the party?" said the Russian voice I knew so well.

Smiling I turned around, raising my glass to him. "Just the person I was looking for."

"Finally realizing you can no longer avoid me?" Dimitri said, joining me in leaning against the balcony railing. Amusement danced across his eyes.

Rolling my eyes, I took another big sip of my drink. "I wasn't avoiding you, I was just taking some time to myself before I'm constantly by your side," I pointed out, making him chuckle. "They left out Hans Croft from the file."

He nodded. "I had a feeling you would be angry with that."

"It's suspicious, you can't deny it. What happened to Hans Croft should have been included in the mission. Steele is hiding something, I'm almost positive he is."

"You want to break in to get the files, don't you?"

I smiled, for once relieved that he continued to know me so well. Instead of a disapproving look, he agreed that he would help. "We need to see Hans case file. There might be something in it that will help us, maybe even find him," I stated.

We stood there in silence, gazing in at the party. I silently wondered why Dimitri wasn't continuing his patrol, but I knew he felt that he had nothing better to do. There were also guards walking closer to the wards, making him as a second pointless precaution. If anything were to be fishy near the gates and wards, he would be contacted immediately on the radio, making his job completely useless.

Through the large windows, I saw Lissa talking to Adrian's parents, with the bond telling me she was having a great time. Even though it would be hard for us to be apart for several months, I knew that she would be safe and okay. Lissa was making so many new friends at Court and would be busy with Queen Tatiana. I just hoped I would be back for when Lissa started classes at Leigh.

A cool wind blew and I shivered, suddenly remembering that it was below freezing and I was wearing a very short dress. Dimitri eyed me, then wordlessly slipped off his duster and holding it out to me.

"No, I'm fine. I should head inside soon," I said, pointing to my now empty champagne glass. He muttered something under his breath, then draped his duster over me. I stared at him, giving him a small smile. "Now you'll be cold."

Dimitri shrugged, then crossed his arms over his black guardian attire. "You need it more than me."

After a few moments of continued silence, I looked over at him. "Dimitri, can you promise me something?"

He looked hesitant but then agreed.

"If I am turned and there is no possible way for me to be restored, you need to kill me." I immediately saw the fear and doubt flicker in Dimitri's eyes. "I did it for you and I need you to do it in return. You owe me this."

He remorsefully nodded, "I promise Rose, but I also have another promise to you." I gave him a curious look, beckoning him to go on. "I promise that I will do everything in my power to get you back safely. Lissa needs you and you deserve to live."

"You need to live, as much as I do. I can't lose you again," I said, seeing his face soften. "I still don't forgive you, but I know that my life is boring without Dimitri Belikov in it."

Dimitri didn't reply, but I also didn't expect him to. There was nothing left to say. We continued leaning up against the railing and staring in at the dance, looking at the oblivious Moroi. None of them even knowing the potential danger they were in. Lissa was laughing with Christian and Adrian about something and I even spotted Eddie having a good time with a few guardians positioned in there. Dimitri even looked amused staring at the people in there, even shaking the head at some of the ridiculous things some Moroi were doing.

After a while of standing there in silence, I checked my phone realizing that it was fifteen minutes until midnight. I knew I should make an appearance at the party sooner, rather than later. Sighing I turned towards Dimitri, momentarily pulling his duster closer to me.

"I better get in there or Lissa will be mad she got me this dress for nothing," I said lightly. I slipped off Dimitri's duster and handed it to him, with my hand lingering on it for a few seconds. "Thank you, for listening to me and keeping me company. Meet me in my room after your shift and we can plot to get the file?"

"Plot makes it sound so evil, Rose," He said with a laugh, taking the duster out of my hands.

I grinned. "It's simply just disobeying orders."

He shook his head, then looked at me in my dress. Before I could let him say anything, I walked away from him. I knew what he was about to say, but I couldn't bear to hear it. Sometimes words were better left unsaid.

I joined the party and walked over to Adrian, Lissa, and Christian, making sure to grab another glass of champagne for the toasting. Lissa was the first to notice me and pulled me into a tight hug, giggling. Someone must be having a little too much champagne.

"About time you showed up!" She squealed. "Just think, after this, we have the entire rest of the day."

"Perfect, more drinking!" said Adrian, who was already drunk. "Best day of the entire year for us. Wouldn't you say, Rose?" He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me away from Lissa into him.

I smiled at him, already smelling his breathe filled with alcohol. "Cheers!" I shouted, with all of us clinking our glasses together. I was excited to have a great time with everyone, but I knew that this would not happen for several months. These moments were something that I always took for granted, now I was cherishing them.

"Cleaning up again, Hathaway, with an even skimpier dress," teased Eddie, approaching us.

I gave him a light punch in the arm and grinned at him. "Got to give them one last show before I disappear, do I not?"

Everyone laughed and we chatted about Christian and Lissa's upcoming wedding plans. Lissa said that they were planning on setting a late fall wedding, but that may change depending on when my mission will end. Tension immediately began to rise between us. Why did the timing of this mission have to be so shitty?

It was Adrian who broke the awkward tension. "Time to countdown! A minute left to go."

Soon the entire room—of mostly young Moroi and Dhampirs—began counting down loudly. As the excitement in the room rose, the thoughts of leaving everyone in a few days were gone from my mind. I was focusing on the present and the happiness throughout the Court. It was time to enjoy ourselves.

The clock suddenly struck midnight and everyone started screaming "Happy New Year!" Fireworks shot off in the distance and confetti started flying down from the ceiling. Of course, nothing was as grand as the ball dropping in New York, but it certainly felt spectacular. Lissa and Christian were pulled into the cliché kiss, while other Moroi's and Dhampirs were sharing the New Year's kiss with each other. Before I even had a chance to down my drink as planned (to be the lonely single girl), Adrian pulled me into a deep kiss and dipped me downward. He nearly made me lose my balance, but he secured his arms tighter across my lower back and head. I pulled away from the kiss instinctively, not wanting this become anything more than what it was.

"Happy New Year, sexy Little Dhampir," He grinned at me, before letting me regain my stance.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dimitri through the window looking at me. I could have sworn a part of him looked jealous, but it was hard to say. The second he knew that I saw him, he had turned around to walk away and continue his guard duties. His expression remained in my mind and I couldn't help but wonder if Adrian was right. Did a part of Dimitri still love me after all of this time?

Author's Note:

Happy 2018 everyone! This was quite the year for me. I graduated with a BS in biology in May and started a Ph.D. program this past fall. I have made so many new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It's been a great year for me. :)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and enjoyed Dimitri's point of view. It was fun writing in a different point of view and I plan on writing more about his past year in Russia soon. Please, please, please don't hate me for Klara. :o

Also, a clarification about the previous chapter: Rose and Dimitri did kiss. I know one reviewer was confused, so I didn't know if anyone else was. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it was very brief. Brief enough to stir things up. ;)

As always, review! When I started writing this story I felt I would be lucky to have maybe 10 follows. I'm blown away by the reviews, follows, and favorites I have received so far. Thank you for the continued support! I'm so thankful for every single one of you.