"A piercing scream rung through the air. It was felt all the way down to my bones. Then another, followed, almost at once, all you could hear were screams. I river of blood was forming and gaining momentum, the closer I approached the more bodies I saw all around me. The smell of moroi blood was all that I could smell. All around me strigoi, dhampirs and moroi were fighting. Pulling apart and attacking the royal moroi, no, the rulling party of moroi. This was a bloody revolution. I was approaching what seemed to be the epicenter. The queen was circled by fire users, desperately trying to save what was left. It was obvious that it was a losing fight. One strigoi emerged, taller and stronger then the rest. He was determined, his eyes set, his arms strong and ready to strike. He was aiming for the queen and she was about to lose it all. Death was in the air. This was the end to the world as we know it"

I blinked, my father was still looking at me through the window as we were taxing off. Nothing has changed, yet my mind was set, still reliving those few moments. The contrast of the brutal scenes in my head with the reality were harsh. I could still feel and smell death all around me. I have to prevent it, this is my next goal, but what could have happened to trigger such an event? Movements of revolution full of blood and hate, are planned, masterminded. It is a build-up of events that lead to disarray and desperation. Aided by heavy propaganda which leaves you feeling like you have no other choice but to attack. To fight for you have no other choice. Fight or flight response. Protect those dear and close, ensure a better future. I wasn't big on politics. It was a heavy combination of bullshit and power play. Though it would seem, the time has come for me to become an expert. For now, I need to catch up on some sleep.

My next conscious thought is that someone is calling my name. I felt a hand shaking my shoulder and all of a sudden I was on high alert. Opening my eyes, I scanned the place.

- Ms Rose, we are landing - said the stewardess

- Thank you

I focused on the thoughts of those around me, just a precaution and an old habit. Thankfully, it was typical and mundane. The pilots focusing on flying the plane, the stewardesses thinking about all the preparation and what they are going to do when we land. A few more minutes passed and we were landing, as I was walking down, another sunset welcomed me to my new home. At least for the nearest future. It was bright, full of light and hope. A black SUV with heavily tinted windows was waiting for me. Focusing on the car, I started listening:

"Man, we've been here for half an hour, when is she going to come. Lissa has been buzzing with excitment for hours, she is so adorable when she is excited. But unfortunately, the name Rose and her life story are now permanently ingrained in my brain."

Huh, that's interesting. He is new and completely under Lissa's spell.

"Hmm I wonder if Rose has changed much, I can't wait to see her! There isn't anyone quite like her. I wonder what she will think of Christian, it will be the first time she will be meeting him. My bestie and I will finally get to spend some time together! It's been too long!"

Now that's more like it, welcome to the world of Lissa. Constant excitement, kindness, and love.

"Perimeter check completed. All clear."

"The plane has landed. Ms Rose should be here now."

Clearly, guardians. From their thought patterns, they seemed to be experienced and dedicated to the family.

"Ohhhhh I can see ROSE!"

Oh no. The next thing I know, the door is being pushed open and overly excited Lissa jumps out and starts running towards me. Almost instantaneously, two heavily armed guardians and another guy started running after her, fearing for her life. I wanted to scream at them "Chill people, the famous Rose is here. You are safer than in a room full of candy floss and nothing else." Without thinking, Lissa hit me like a brick wall. Thank god for years of strength building, I managed to hold us up on our feet.

- Oh Rose, I have missed you so much! You are finally here and we are going to be attending St. Vlad's together! I can't wait to introduce you to everyone, especially Christina, my boyfriend! Ohh I have also specialised in Spirit of all things!

- Lissa, breath, breath. I am happy to see you too! Congrats on specialising, I aways knew you were too kind to be anything but that.

"Talk about rare. Not only was Lissa herself an innocent kindred person, spirit users are super rare and very powerful, perhaps I will share some knowledge of my powers with her. It would be handy especially as I tend to get into a lot of fun trouble that results in bruises and blood spilling. Rarely mine, but still."

Lissa smiled and wrapped me in a tight hug.

- Ms Dragomir, Ms Rose, welcome to America. Would you be so kind to move towards the vehicle, we need to be on our way.

- Of course, I am sorry for the worry I have caused you Jonathan and David, and please call me Lissa.

They responded with a simple nod.

- Oh here is Christian, my boyfriend. Christina, please meet the famous Rose, my best friend.

- It's a pleasure.

- Nice to meet you sparky.

- Pardon?

- Ha, it's okay, no need to ignite.

- Rose, be nice!

- How did you know I was a fire user?

- Easy. Your sleeves are burnt, which is common for fire users, plus you smell of ash. What I didn't say was "you mind is revolving two things, Lissa and fire."Huh. I never noticed that about

- Huh. I never noticed that about you, Chrisy.

As we approached the car, Christian opened the door for Lissa, and just as I was about to get in, he rushed in and sat down first.

- Hey, what do you think you are doing? That's very ungentlemanly of you.

- It's not like you are behaving like a lady.

- Oh stop it you two! Rose, please join us in the car. Everyone is waiting for us and are excited to see you, it's been too long. Plus, Josephine made your favourite breakfast food!

- Why didn't you say so earlier, I' m starving!

With that, the door was shut and we were on our way to the house. It took us an hour, but I used that time to extract some useful information plus interrogate Christian. Abe would be so proud.

- So tell me, Christian, what are your intentions with our young Lissa?

- Urm...Well...

- Really, that's the best answer you can give me?

- Rose, please stop intimidating my boyfriend.

- Christina, I am waiting for an answer.

Christina looked over at Lissa, his eyes filled with love and he was able to find the bravery to respond. -

- I love Lissa with all of my heart and will do my best to protect her. She is the only one for me, I know it.

- Do you promise to protect her with all you have? Are you ready to die for her?

- She is my life. There isn't a me without her.

- Okay, I guess you passed the first stage of the test.

- Rose!

- Lissa!

- It's okay Lissa, Rose here doesn't scare me. I will prove my love for you to the whole world if I needed to. Scream it from the rooftops.

- That's better! I guess you can stay for now.

- Let's change the subject.

- How has everyone been? What is new in the world of Lissa and Christian?

- Well, this is the start of our final year!

- Wait, finally year? But I thought that graduation wasn't happening until we turn 18.

- Oh year, the queen changed the graduation year to 17 for those extra talented moroi, which included all of us in the car and all dhampirs.

- What do you mean all the dhampirs?

- The legal graduation age has been lowered and there are talks of making it 16.

- Why would she do that? They are just children.

- I know. On top of that, all the moroi are being taught to use offensive magic.

- What is happening to this world? Children fighting against the strigoi, that would just end up in a massacre. Easy dinner. "I guess the vision is now making more and more sense. These must be the first steps, but who is orchestrating them? Is it the queen? Surely she can't be that clueless and ignorant. Send children to battle, she must be loosing her mind."

I was surprised out of my musing by the ringing of my phone. Abe, I completely forgot all about him.

- Rose, what did we agree on?

- I was attached by Lissa. We just pulled in at the house, all fine, don't worry.

- Don't make me wait this long next time.

- It won't happen again.

- Be careful.

- You too.

With that, I opened my door, took a deep breath and headed towards the house with Lissa and Christina slowly following behind.