"Rose! Get down!" I felt a weight come down and push on my head. I hit the ground harder than I expected too. My cheek was practically fusing with the ground and my hair was being matted to my shoulder and arm.

I could still see Dimitri from where I laid. He was standing over Gabe. Pressing him down with his foot on his chest. Gabe's eyes were wide open and wild. His hands clawing frantically at Dimitri's leg. Trying to injure or pry him off. But nothing on his face frightened me as much as the cold stare that Dimitri had. It was almost heartless. Like he was ready to do the unthinkable. Ready to just end it. In some space in the back of my mind I felt like I failed him. This was my fault. And it only took moments. Just mere moments to get from when this whole battle started to now.

The mission started off like any other mission. We planned. We thought we had planned it all out as perfect as it could be. I would show them the hole I fell through. Dimitri and I were to infiltrate as a team while Adrian and Alek took to the high grounds on the opposite side of the building to make it through the open area leading into the main room I saw the golden chairs in. It was a gamble but we needed Adrian there first to stun the masses.

"This is a stupid idea." Adrian plucked a leaf from the branch hanging over his head.

I scuffed, "Says the man going in the open way."

He tore the leaf in half and threw the pieces at me, "Exactly my point. You should come with me or go with Alek. At least I could use my magic to cover for you."

"No. Then the rest of the plan goes to hell." I smoothed out the map on the trunk of the tree.

"He has a point, Roza." Dimitri pushed a stray strand of hair out of my face. "Us going through the tunnels together... It could get dangerous."

I eyed him, "Then why are you going down there?"

He shook his head, "Because I have experience fighting in tight spaces. Do you?"

"No! But... Dammit, why is everyone trying to convince me to take the open route?" I slammed my open palm on the tree.

Alek looked around and rose his hand, "I'm not."

"Thank you, Alek."

"Rose, this isn't the time for your half baked schemes. You know there are plenty of things that could go wrong. And last time you got lucky that Gabe didn't kill you when he caught you." Dimitri hung his head low as he finished off his sentence.

I shook my head roughly, "He didn't want to. There's something off about him."

"You mean other than being Strigoi?" Adrian shrugged.

Alek sighed, "As fun as all of this is, you know the longer we delay the less likely these plans will work. We're going to lose the element of surprise." He shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned on the tree.

I nodded, "Then lets get to it." I darted off towards the hole before anyone could try to stop me. I heard rushed footsteps just behind me so Dimitri wasn't too far.

I came to an abrupt stop when the hole appeared just inches in front of me. Dirt tumbled down into the darkness as I slowly inched my way towards it. Dimitri suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him. He wordlessly shook his head and gestured to the hole. I stepped back and bowed out to him. He just smiled and he jumped in first. I felt his hands grip my waist as I jumped through behind him. He slowed me as I landed on the concrete base.

He waved me off as I pointed towards the enterance. Of course he wanted to be the lead. Just in case.

I could smell his sweat and soap as I crept just behind him. It made me kind of giddy. But then I clasped my hand on his arm. He turned to face me. I pointed to my nose. He got the hint. If they caught hold of our scent they'd be on to us before Alek and Adrian could even make it to the other side.

He ran his hand over the walls. The markings were still there. Just as dim and unreadable as before. But when his fingers ran over them again I noticed the slight smeer. There was a charcoal scent coming off them now. He grinned and began rubbing his back and shoulders on the walls. I followed suite.

After a few coats of the stuff I started feeling thick. Our scents were being masked dramatically. If anyone caught our smell they'd think someone was drawing hectically or that someone was getting ready to set fire to a pit.

Dimitri waved me over. And there it was, the screen blocking the way into the main room. Or what we assumed was the main room. I pushed the screen back slightly so that we could peek through together.

It was the same as I had remembered it. The boxes stacked over one another, the drapes of plastic and failed interior design. Still as gloomy as ever. High on the platform still sat the five chairs. Only this time there were Strigoi lounging on two of them.

The ecsentric gothic girl was sprawled across from arm to arm on the chair. Her boots swinging as she stretched back to converse with another girl. Her black hair was now let down and I could see more colored streaks flowing through the mess. The other girl was sitting up properly with her legs crossed. The leggy dress she was wearing was just as short as the other one I remember in and her makeup just as thick.

"What kind of business do you think Gabe has with that Dhampir anyway?" She tossed her dark hair over her shoulder and grabbed at a random strand to play with. "It's not like he's of that great of an importance."

The other shrugged, "Why ask me?" She grinned. "Why not ask dear Gabriel yourself?"

She gaped, "Yea, I'm not that stupid."

"Then you should be smart enough not to question his decisions at all." She splayed out her fingers and examined her nails.

She scuffed, "The only reason you bow down so easily for him is because he favors you."

The brunette puffed, "And for good reason, mon amie."

"Please don't throw that french crap at me." She bared her fangs slightly.

She laughed out, "It's a word that represents friendship to another woman." She glided over to her. "You are my friend, aren't you Ariani?"

She rolled her eyes, "In some sense of the word, I suppose."

"Good." She poked her forehead. "I'd hate to enemies with you, mon cheri."

Ariani smirked, "You flatter me, Nicola."

"Not too hard to that now, is it?" The preppy looking twin waltz right in and dropped down onto the chair beside Ariani.

She kicked him in the side with the tip of her toe. "Shut it, Marc."

He swung back at her foot but she was quicker, "Strike a nerve?"

"What about you doesn't strike a nerve?" Nicola puffed the sides of her curly hair and grinned.

He snarled, "You should know better than to talk to me like that! Don't forget what happened last time."

"And don't you forget what happened after your little stunt!" She was up so fast and in his face it made me flinch back. Dimitri gripped my arm and steadied me.

There was a low hum of laughter, "Easy, Nic. He's just being a jerk." The gloomy looking twin walked in and sat beside Nicola. He rubbed her shoulder before sitting back and cozying into the cushion. "You should all be use to it by now."

She sighed and glared at Marc a moment more before turning her attention back on her nails. "Erik. A pleasure to see you're back."

"Thank you." He bowed his head and grinned. "You should all tidy up though. Gabe wasn't too far behind me when I left."

Then as if a looming shadow merely slid off the wall, Gabriel appeared. His steps were steady and smooth. He walked with such grace and poise that you could almost mistake him for a man of a high status. He didn't say a word. He simply walked up to the middle chair and sat down upright.

Nicola stood and glided over to him. She ran her fingers over his collar bone and rested her hand on his shoulder. "How do you feel, love?"

He shrugged her hands off of him, "Irritated."

"Why so stressed?", she tried to reach towards him again but instantly stopped and pulled back.

He sighed heavily and ran his hand through his hair, "Ariani?"

Ariani stood and was at his side in an instant, "Sir?"

"Do you think my attempt to draw out Dimitri will work?" He was staring off to the drapes.

She shrugged, "What do I know about drawing out a Guardian?"

His gazed shifted to her, "That's not what I asked."

She flinched slightly and she cleared her throat, "Then I suppose you could be more persuasive."

"How?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Use what he holds dearest to him." She kneeled down beside him and rested her chin on his leg. "Bait him."

He smirked, "How can you be so cruel?"

She smiled back, "You find me cruel?"

He ran his hand over her face and gently cradled her chin, "Naturally."

"Why not use his little Roza?" Nicola was now leaning on the back of his chair. I felt Dimitri's grip tighten around my wrist. Almost like he was afraid they might steal me then and there.

Gabe shook his head, "Have any of you ever fought for something you love? Something you would die for?"

"I have no such thing!" Marc turned his head high, "I live for me. There's nothing you could threaten me with."

"Nothing?" Gabe eyed Erik. "Not even your brother?"

Marc sent a quick glance his brother's way but then shook his head, "Not even for kin."

Gabe tsked, "You lie. Your mouth and tone may shield you but your eyes give you away."

He let out a low growl, "What is the point to this?"

"The point is...!" He slammed his hand down on the arm of his chair which made Ariani shut her eyes and flinch, "You fight with all you have! He could bring the world toppling down on us if we dangled such a precious bait in front of him."

Nicola leaned on his shoulder, "Isn't that what you want, my love? To fight him tooth and nail until there is but one standing?"

He nodded, "And that is why we have her." He tilted his chin across the room. But our view was blocked by the drapes of plastic. "She may not be his flower but he'll come for her. He'd die for her." There was a menacing glow to his words.

I looked over at Dimitri who looked as puzzled as I did. His eyes kept darting from one direction to the next. When he finally looked back at me he looked like he was about to hit the panic point. I gripped his hands in mine and squeezed. I pressed my body to his and held him there a few moments before releasing him. His eyes were shut tight and he was hunched over. I couldn't really tell if he was upset or just pissed off.

Just then a loud crashing now came from the room. "Rose!" Adrian's voice echoed throughout the tunnels.

We leapt in without a second thought. Erik, Ariani and Nicola were on the ground. Each one crying out and flailing like they were tryin to shake something off. Adrian was staring intensely in their direction. His eyes locked onto them. I had never seen such intensity in his eyes.

Alek was already in a heated battle with Marc. His stake swiping towards his body. Making shreds out of his bright red shirt. But Gabe was nowhere to be seen. He managed to flee the scene when the guys dropped in. But it didn't take him too long to reappear. He wasn't alone as he stepped into the room. He held Viktoria tightly by the throat. She was gasping and wriggling in his hands.

Dimitri looked vicious, "Put her down! She has nothing to do with this!"

"But on the contrary! She does." Gabe ran his nail over her arm leaving a line of blood.

She let out a high squeal, "Bastard!"

"Let her go!" I was starting to feel the panic set in.

Gabe shrugged, "Let's make a deal."

"Me for her?" Dimitri took another step towards them.

He took a step back, "Not interesting enough." He licked the blood off his nail.

"Then what?"

Gabe's eyes glared at me. I felt him look me over from head to toe, "Her."

Dimitri looked like he was about to lose it, "I..."

"It's up to you, Dimka. Your sister for your wife." Gabe kept his eyes on me. I was starting to feel more than just slightly uncomfortable.

I dropped my hands, "Deal."

Dimitri grabbed my arm, "Don't do this." His eyes were pleading with me.

"I cannot just stand by."

He pulled me to him, "And I cannot let you just walk away."

I caressed his face, "I cannot let her die."

"You come to me first." Gabe put out his hand like it was an open invitation.

I shook my head, "You let her go and I'll come to you."

He scuffed, "Honestly, you think I'm going to release my only leverage?"

"Honestly, you think I'm going to risk that you take us both out?" I puffed up to try to show I meant business.

He just laughed, "Fair enough. Both take equal steps."

I nodded, "Fine with me."

"Roza..." Dimitri embraced me and pressed his lips to my head. "Please." There was a break in his voice.

A knot formed in my throat as I pulled away, "It'll be okay." I really wanted to wrap my arms around him. I wanted to have the will to say no to Gabe's little game. I wanted everything to be okay again. But wanting all that didn't change the reality of things. It didn't change that I was walking away from the man I love.

And that damn walk, the walk over felt long. I was urged to grab Viktoria and run but for some reason the little voice in my head kep telling me I'd get everyone killed. I'd be the cause of the deaths of my friends, my family, my love. So I kept walking even after Viktoria touched my hand in passing. I just smiled at her and urged her on.

Gabe gently cradled my hand in his and led me towards him. He brought me face to face with him. I was uncomfortably close. I could feel his breath on me. He was so cold. "Hello, Rose." He inhaled deeply. "You're still just as lovely up close as I remember you. But, " he pulled the band out of my hair and it came tumbling over my shoulders. "There."

I started reaching for the stake that Adrian transferred magic into, "Now what?"

He frowned and gently shifted some hair off my shoulder, "Now I'm afraid you are going to have to die, dear Roza." He lunged forward and held me to him. I didn't feel it at first but then it suddenly felt like ice seeping into my skin.

"No!" The world went flying as I was sent sailing through the air. I readied myself for the impact. But the ground never came.

My eyes searched until they rested on Adrian. He was staring down at me in disbelief. There was blood on his collar and on his cheek. "Rose." My name was no more than a whisper.

Then Viktoria appeared. Her face streaked with tears, "Do something!" She was touching me but I could barely feel her hands at my neck. "Make it stop!"

Adrian's eye watered as he shut them and pulled me to his chest. I started to feel the waves of warmth enter my body. He was trying to heal me. But from what I wasn't too sure of. So I shut my eyes. My magic came up like a sudden splash of water to my face. It was bright and all consuming. I began to make it flow. It ran through me like it was searching for a spot to rest.

"Help me out here, Rose." Adrian's voice was so urgent. He was motivating me to use my magic.

Then came the rush of pain. My neck felt like it was on fire. It was hot and it stung. It was nearly hard to ignore it and focus on my magic. I barely managed. But something strange happened. There was a glow. A warm glow within me. It felt beautiful and intoxicating. Calling my magic to it. It wrapped me in a blanket of light and the pain was gone. It was so peaceful that I almost didn't notice myself losing conciousness.

I felt Adrian shake me, "Stay with me. Please!" His voice was breaking. "Please, stay with me, little dhampir. Come on!" His grip tightened on my waist and he cradled my head to his chest.

"What's happening?" Viktoria sounded frantic. She was still crying and her hands were covered in blood. Most likely my blood. "Why isn't she moving?"

Alek pulled her back. He had blood all over him too. He held her tightly to him and hushed her, "Calm down, babe." He looked back down at me and quickly turned away. He looked saddened. "Оно идет быть совсем право. It's going to be okay."

I reached up and grabbed Adrian's shoulder. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing would come out. He shook his head, "Don't. Just be still. I'm going to take care of you." Tears were starting to make their way down his cheeks. It wiped a clean line through the blood on his face. He pressed his hands on my chest. The waves intensified.

My head tilted over and that's when I saw them. The other Strigoi were laying on the ground. Ariani had a stake still sticking out of her chest. There was a blank stare in her open eyes. Nicola was beheaded beside Marc. The reason I knew it was those two was due to their unique choice in clothing. Erik was face down in the dirt but a few feet away from us. Probably stabbed through the heart like Ariani.

Just behind them was Dimitri and Gabe. Dimitri was nearly shirtless from how shredded his shirt was. Gabe had a giant gash across his face and right arm. They were standing face to face, hands locked. Each pressing back with as much force as they could muster. My heart ached as I thought about how useless I felt. I could have been by his side fighting. We could have finished this together. And now more than anything I was scared. Terrified even.

Feeling was starting to come back to my hands. I could feel the cold ground beneath my arms and shoulder. The blood on my neck was starting to cool in the air. Adrian's hands were warm on my chest. And I could feel my heart beat strengthening. Building momentum as Adrian continued to heal me.

"Adrian..." Finally my voice kicked in.

He hushed, "Not yet. Just give me more time." He kept the magic flowing.

I clasped his hands on my chest, "How much?"

"Just a little more. Please." He weaved my fingers with his and smiled. "Just stay with me, little dhampir."

I tried to smile back, "I'm here." I was starting to feel better. My body felt stronger and started regaining eneregy. But looking back at Dimitri and Gabe only made me more anxious. They were tumbling and throwing punches. They were holding nothing back from the look of it. But every time one of them hit the ground they simply jumped back into the fray. Both equally relentless.

Adrian's grip went limp in my hand and I felt him lean slightly on me. Alek held his shoulder and pulled him to sit up, "Hey, are you okay?"

His eyes looked glazed over, "I can do this." He inhaled deeply and put his hand on my chest again. His palms were going cold and any color he had was nearly flushed from his face. "I can do this..."

I shifted so that his hands slid off me, "Stop."

He reached for me again, "No, I can do it." His words sounded forced out.

"Adrian, you need to stop. You're burning yourself out." I sat up slowly. My body still wasn't ready to move. The earth moved with me.

He shook his head, "But I'm nearly done. I didn't..." he took in a quick breath and leaned on me. "Just a little more. I'm not done."

I touched my neck. There was still blood but not nearly as much as there was just moments ago. I hugged him to me, "I'm fine. You healed me. I'm going to be fine."

He cradled my head on his chest. "You promise?" I heard him breathe in deeply.

"I promise." And just like that he was out. His body went slack and I felt like I was the only thing holding him up.

Alek helped me lay him down. "Do you think he'll be okay?"

I checked his pulse. It was slow but steady, "He's fine. He just needs to rejuvenate." I brushed the dry blood off his face and wiped his tears. He looked so sad. It gave my heart a sinking feeling.

"And how about you?" He helped me stand. "You were just on the brink of death."

I clenched and unclenched my hands, wiggled my toes, and twisted side to side. "I feel fine, I guess." It was beyond me if there was something wrong.

He sighed, "Good. For a second there I thought I was going to have to stake you." He forced a laugh but I wasn't too sure if he was actually joking.

Viktoria threw her arms around me, "Thank God!" She kissed my cheek, "You scared me to death!" She examined me for a moment then turned back to Dimitri and Gabe. "They are still at it. Do you think he can win?"

I stood and stared, "Yes." I was about to rush in to assist the love of my life when Alek pulled me back.

"Are you insane?" He was strong. A lot stronger than I was at the moment.

"He could use my help!" I tried to push past him but he blocked me off.

But just my luck, I would be the one to signal to Gabe that I was in fact still alive. He bared his fangs at me and jumped at me so fast that I didn't even get a chance to properly react. Which leads up to the part of me being face planted into the ground.

"Rose! Get down!"

Dimitri had noticed me too and was ready when Gabe made his move. He jumped right after him and tackled him to the ground. Alek had been the one to pin me down on the ground.

"Dimitri! Stop!" I struggled to get out from under Alek and scrambled to Dimitri and Gabe. "What are you doing?"

"Getting rid of this bastard!" He looked serious.

I shook my head, "What? What about the plan?"

Dimitri glared at me, "You really think he still deserves the chance? After all this, you want to give him his life back?" He was pressing down harder on Gabe's chest.

"Yes! Yes, I do!" I grabbed his hand. "He's not himself... Please."

He was trying not to look at me. I could see the stress he was going through to avoid making eye contact with me. "No. I don't think he should get a third chance to try to kill you." He was putting down so much weight that Gabe was starting to gasp and his movements started to slow.

I grabbed his leg, "Dimitri! Stop it!" I pulled his foot off a little. Gabe took in a deep breath.

"Why do you even care?" He pulled me off his leg and to his chest. We were face to face now.

"Because you do too!" Our noses were nearly touching. "You may not know it right now but if you kill him it will haunt you for the rest of our lives! And our child? How could you live through it?" I wrapped him into my arms. "Could you?"

I felt him ease up and hug me to him with one arm. "I'm not so sure anymore." He pulled the stake out from my sheath with his free hand and drove it down into Gabe's chest. There was a huge blast of light. Dimitri tightened his hold on me as we went flying into a pile of crates.

The room was still very bright. I could make out an outline of a person's body on the ground. Gabe was curled up on the floor gripping his head in his hands. His skin was slightly colored and his wounds were healed. It was like someone finally opened a door to a room that had been closed off. Air swept around us like it was brand new.

By Shadow Kissed Mori