Chapter Two

There was a banging on my door, but it was a least a full ten seconds before I registered that fact in my mind.

Vampire.

The word kept crashing into me. That boy knew what I was… And by knowing he was endangering this entire school. This was the only place that we could instill an acceptance of vampires into humans. Without this academy, my race was doomed, never able to co-exist humans again.

"Viorica? I'm coming in!"

Stefan burst into my room as I got to my feet. He was immediately next to me, taking me into his arms.

"Are you alright?" he asked, burying his face in my dark hair.

I wondered at his anxiety. He had only been gone for a few minutes. Had he felt the evil as well?

"I'm fine, Stefan. What's wrong?"

He pulled back from me, studying my face for a moment. Then he pulled me close, squeezing me tightly.

"I felt… Never mind, it doesn't matter. I changed my mind. Let's go out tonight too."

He stepped back, taking my hand instead. Leading me outside onto the lawn, he sat on the bench underneath our tree. The beautiful tree was flowering, and there were petals scattered on the ground around us.

"What time are you meeting with my father?" I asked.

"Around dawn. I think about four-thirty. Are you meeting your mother tonight?"

I nodded and turned my gaze to our classmates across the lawn. They were all sitting in small clusters, looking up at the moon. No one even noticed me or Stefan, which was good.

"What are you thinking about right now?" Stefan whispered.

"I'm thinking of how beautiful this night is, and how I don't want it to end. What are you thinking about?" I asked, looking back at Stefan. The burning intensity I saw his eyes took me by surprise, but I was unable to look away.

"I'm thinking about how the night could never compare to you."

My eyes widened as Stefan got down on his knees, still keeping hold of my hand. I shot a glance at the other students, but none had even looked our way.

"Viorica, I know that we were always promised to one another, but it's not a burden for me. I know that we're forced to marry because there are no other pureblood children, but if I had had a sister, I still would have chosen you. I think you're the only one who really understands me. Viorica, I love you."

My mouth fell open and Stefan laughed.

"You're always so cute and charming," he said, smiling up at me.

He sat back on the bench beside me. Gently, he took hold of my chin and kissed me. When my head started to spin, he leaned back, leaning his forehead against mine. I was unsure of what to say. I knew Stefan and I would end up marrying each other, and in a way I loved him, but… I wasn't sure in what way I loved him.

"Stefan, I-"

Gently Stefan put a finger to my lips.

"Sssh. You don't have to say anything now. Just sit here with me."

He turned so that we were both facing the lawn again. He kept a hold around my waist and I leaned my head against his shoulder. We sighed contentedly and gazed up at the blood-red moon above us. I thought I could stay this way forever…