(Fano PU, Italy)
When the train pulled into the station, Adrian and Dimitri were sound asleep, while Rosalie had been watching out the window to notice strigoi standing nearby in the alley. Rosalie turned to Dimitri and said, "Dimka!" Dimitri sat up in his seat, opened his brown eyes, and peered at Rosalie's blue eyes and loved hearing his Roza speak his nickname from her lips.
When Rosalie reached up, she tapped the side of her neck, giving sign language for strigoi. Dimitri immediately understood the urgency in Rosalie's gesture and scanned the area for any signs of danger. Rosalie said, "Over my left shoulder in the alley." Dimitri slowly moved his head to the right as his eyes peered over Rosalie's left shoulder and noticed two male strigoi standing in the alley.
Before Dimitri could say a word, Rosalie said, "There is a black SUV in the parking lot that Sydney Sage had left for us after we arrived." Rosalie taking an SUV key out of her pocket. With a glance at Rosalie, Dimitri decided to ask her later. Reaching down, Dimitri took the SUV key from Rosalie's grasp and slipped it into the pocket of the duster.
Dimitri said, "Wake up, Lord Ivashkov." Rosalie nods as she kicks Adrian's foot just to mumble. Rosalie said, "Dickhead, wake up." Dimitri rolled his eyes at the way that Rosalie woke up Adrian."
Adrian grumbled in response, rubbing his eyes and sitting up straight. Dimitri gave him a stern look, silently warning both Rosalie and Adrian to stay vigilant as they prepared to disembark from the asked, "Where are we?" Rosalie said, "Urbino, Italy." Adrian said, "The train should have stops in Switzerland for me to get off." Rosalie said, "You missed it!" "It's about eight hours to the west."
Adrian asked, "How could I miss my stop?" Rosalie responded, "You were too busy hitting on the waiter, trying to get him to sleep with you." "That waiter was a man?" Adrian asked with a surprised look on his face." Rosalie said, "I think they are called transvestites." Adrian said, "I think that I need a drink." Rosalie said, "Well, you don't have time for a drink."
Rosalie stood up and said, "There are two stigoi in the alley." "They would love to pick off Royle." "For this reason, you are coming with us." Adrian looked surprised and asked, "What are we going to do?" Rosalie said, "First get off your royal ass and get fellow Guardian Belikov and myself; there is an SUV waiting for us in the parking lot." "Then it will take us about thirty minutes to reach the villa."
Let's go; we don't have much time." "Sunset is in less than two hours." Rosalie urged, her tone urgent. Adrian asked, "What about my bag?" "Don't worry about it, Rosalie said as she reached up and pulled Adrian's bag down from storage." Dimitri reached over, taking Adrian's bag from Rosalie's hands. Rosalie put her backpack on her back.
Dimitri said, "Stay close, both of you, and stay in sunlight." Rosalie reached down, grabbed Adrian's arm, pulling him out of his seat and putting Adrian between them. Adrian noticed that Rosalie was stronger than normal dhampirs. Dimitri led Adrian and Rosalie off the train, making sure they stayed in the sunlight as they headed towards the parking lot.
Adrian realized the seriousness of the situation they were in. As they made their way to the parking lot, Rosalie kept a firm grip on Adrian's arm, making sure he stayed close. The urgency in her actions made it clear that time was of the essence. Dimitri led both Adrian and Rosalie to the parking lot to a black SUV.
Once they reached the parking lot, Dimitri quickly ushered them into the black SUV sitting under the parkot lamp, his expression serious. The trio knew they had to act fast to avoid any potential danger.
Adrian could see Guardian Belikov and Rosalie acting like guardians. Their training had prepared them for moments like this, where quick thinking and decisive action were crucial. Adrian felt a surge of gratitude for their protection as they sped away from the danger looming behind them. As they reached the black SUV, Dimitri reached into his pocket and pulled out the car key.
Out of the corner of Rosalie's eye, she noticed the two male strigoi heading right for them. Rosalie pushed Adrian into Dimitri and said, "Strigoi!" Before Dimitri and Adrian could turn around, Rosalie's hands burst into flames. Dimitri quickly unlocked the SUV and ushered Adrian inside, while Rosalie used her fire magic to fend off the approaching strigoi. Dimitri knew they had to act fast to avoid any potential danger.
Dimitri spun around to notice that Rosalie's hands were on fire. Dimitri had pulled his silver stake out and was ready to defend them if necessary. He knew they needed to get out of there quickly before the situation escalated. Both Dimitri and Rosalie were prepared to fight off the strigoi and protect Adrian at all costs.
As Adrian peered out the back passenger window of the SUV, he noticed that Rosalie was fighting with two male Strigoi and using her fire magic with a silver stake. He felt a surge of fear and admiration for her bravery, knowing they were lucky to have her on their side. Adrian hoped that Rosalie would be able to defeat the strigoi before they could cause any harm.
Dimiti joined Rosalie in battling with the strigoi, using his silver stake against one of the male strigoi. While Rosalie battled with other male Strigoi. Together, they were able to successfully defeat the creatures and ensure their safety for the time being. Dimitri and Rosalie fought bravely, their teamwork proving to be effective in taking down the Strigoi. Adrian watched in awe as they worked together seamlessly, grateful for their skills and determination in protecting the group.
When the last strigoi fell, Dimitri joined Rosalie's side. Dimitri noticed that Rosalie's fire disappeared as she took a few breaths. Dimitri said, "Soon we will get you something to eat while you rest in the SUV." Rosalie nodded as they walked over to the SUV. As they walked, Dimitri couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Rosalie's strength and resilience. He knew that they made a formidable team, ready to face whatever challenges came their way in the future.
(The SUV ride)
Rosalie sits in the front passenger side while Dimitri gets into the driver's seat. Dimitri started the engine. Rosalie said, "Head to the highway." "It will take about thirty minutes to reach the villa." Dimitri noticed Rosalie pointing at the highway leading out of town. Dimitri started driving out of the parking lot and heading to the high. Dimitri noticed that Rosalie's head was against the headrest, closing her eyes and relaxing as they drove towards their destination. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the landscape as they left the city behind them.
Adrian said, "Rosalie, you were amazing." "I would never believe a dhampir could wield magic while battling strigoi." Rosalie said, "Thank you, Adrian." "With great power comes great responsibility." Dimitri said, "Balance training and magic ability; Rosalie is one of four dhampirs in the world who can do both." "We are lucky to have her on our team." "It's important to remember that your skills should be used wisely and with caution." Rosalie nodded in agreement, understanding the weight of her newfound abilities. Rosalie nodded her head at Dimitri.
Adrian inquired, "Why doesn't Rosalie drink blood to rebuild her strength?" "Eww!" Rosalie exclaimed. It was said by Dimitri that "Rosalie is a dhampir, not a Moroi." Adrian acknowledged the distinction between the two species and nodded in comprehension. Rosalie grinned appreciatively at Dimitri's explanation, appreciating his help with her dhampir training.
Dimitri said, "Every time that my Roza uses her fire magic, she needs to eat to rebuild her strength." "For right now, Roza, why don't you eat a few of your cookies that Mother and Grandmother had made for you? Rosalie reached down, opening her backpack, and reached inside, pulling out a cookie tin and opening it, started eating a few of the cookies. Rosalie smiled gratefully and nodded, enjoying the familiar taste of her mother's cookies. As she finished eating, she felt her strength returning, ready to continue practicing her fire magic at Heaven Academy.
Adrian had noticed that Guardian Belikov had not told him much about the Sisters of Phoenix. Only Rosalie was one of the four Sisters of Phoenix that could use magic like a moroi. Until Adrian stated, "If Rosalie is one of the Sisters of Phoenix, it means the other three sisters are at Heaven Academy." Rosalie said, "Yes!" Adrian said, Which means all four of you together."
Rosalie peered around the front seat and said, "Stop. Understand there are five elements in the world." "Most Moroi and dhampir believe there are only four elements." "As you are a spirit user, you understand how rare spirit magic is in the Moroi world." "Right now, I know of only three spirit users in this world." "My 5th sister hasn't arrived at Heaven Academy yet." "As for the other three sisters at Heaven Academy, we wait for her arrival."
"You suggest that you know two other spirit users in the world?" Adrian questioned, looking at Rosalie. "Yes, they are Vasilissa and Oksana Dragomir," Rosalie answered. Since one of the missing girls was a spirit user, Dimitri concluded that Rosemarie was a dhampir girl. For this reason, Rosalie kept their location a secret from everyone. Based on the fact, Vasilissa was a spirit user, and they are a rare element in the Moroi world.
Rosalie turned back around and said, 'Turn right, and soon we will be at the gates of the Dragomir villa. Dimitri turned right and started going down a dirty road leading away from the highway. The trees on either side of the road grew thicker, casting shadows over the car as they drove deeper into the forest. Rosalie's excitement was palpable as she pointed out landmarks along the way, eager to reach their destination.
Dimitri pulled up the gate and waited for the security guard to approach. Adrian peering around at the gate. Rosalie turned in her seat as the security guard came to the driver's door. Adrian leaned forward, excitement evident in his voice as he asked, "Do you think they'll be happy to see us?" Rosalie smiled, her confidence unwavering as she replied, "We'll find out soon enough."
The male security guard asked, "How can I help today?" Rosalie started using sign language, and Dimitri noticed that the security guard seemed to understand Rosalie. The male security guard said, "Welcome back, Rosalie." A second later, the gates and security guard said, "Vasilissa and Rosa are up at the main house."
Rosalie signaled that she was here to surprise them. "So could you please not call them?" The male security guard nodded his head. Rosalie gives a sign for thank you. Dimitri nodded his head as he pulled their gates.
Adrian asked, "Rosalie, why did you use sign language to speak to the security guard?" Rosale said, The security guard remembers that I lost my voice at the age of twelve." "Then I protected Lord Christian Ozera from strigoi at Valdmir's Academy." "That is the night that paid the aliment price; I lost my voice and my first kill that night." It took me years; I used to have a bad stuttering problem until destiny stepped in."
Dimitri said, "Rosalie had to learn sign language to speak after the strigoi took her voice. Show some respect for that valuable skill she had to learn to connect with others." When first meeting Rosalie, I couldn't believe they sent a mute novice to train; I had to build trust with Roza before I found out that she had a bad stuttering problem."
Adrian started remembering Queen Tatian's Christmas party at seeing Rosalie use sign language to speak to André Dragmir and Queen Tatian. Adrian realized that Rosalie's ability to communicate through sign language was not only impressive, but also a testament to her resilience and determination. It was a reminder that everyone has their own unique challenges and strengths that deserve respect and understanding.
Dimitri peered in the mirror to see Adrian's face as he came to realize Rosalie had her battles that she needed to overcome in her life. He felt a sense of admiration for her strength and perseverance and decided to offer his support in any way he could. As he watched Adrian's reflection, Dimitri knew that Rosalie's story had touched a chord within him, inspiring him to be more empathetic towards others facing similar struggles.
(Vasilissa's Villa)
Five minutes later, Dimitri pulled up to Vasilissa Villa, a sprawling estate nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the ivy-covered walls and terracotta roof tiles of the luxurious property. Dimitri and Adrian's mouths dropped open at how luxurious the property appeared, with its manicured gardens and grand fountain in the courtyard.
Rosalie said, "The late Reha Dragmir family villa has been her family for hundreds of years, Vasilissa following her mother's footsteps in keeping the villa in pristine condition." As they stepped out of the SUV, the scent of blooming roses and lavender filled the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the historic estate.
Rosalie continued, "The Dragmir family has always taken great pride in maintaining the villa's beauty and elegance, a tradition that Vasiliss is dedicated to upholding." The sound of water trickling from the fountain in the courtyard created a soothing ambiance as they made their way towards the entrance of the stunning estate.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the ancient stone walls of the villa. Rosalie smiled, knowing that Vasilissa would continue to honor their family's legacy for generations to come.
Rosalie smiled and said, "Boys, close your mouth; you're letting flies in." Dimitri closed his mouth and peered at Rosalie to notice the smirk on her face. Rosalie said, "Let's play a trick on Vasilissa and Rosemarie to see if they realize that my voice has returned." Dimitri asked, What about Adrian?" Rosalie said, "Just make sure that Adrian doesn't drink alcohol in the house."
Adrian said, "I heard that!" "Don't worry, I'll behave." Rosalie chuckled and said, "We'll see if you can resist temptation." Adrian smirked and replied, "Challenge accepted." Dimitri could see that Rosalie was playful. He knew that things were about to get interesting with Rosalie's mischievous nature leading the way. Adrian and Dimitri exchanged knowing glances, ready for whatever Rosalie had in store.
Rosalie led Dimitri and Adrian to the front door. As Adrian knocked on the front door, a few seconds later, the front door opened, and all three of them could see the man butler. The man butler greeted them with a warm smile and welcomed them inside the grand mansion.
Rosalie started using sign language, asking the butler, "Is the lady of the house home?" The male butler said, 'Yes, welcome home, Rosalie." It's good to see you again." Rosalie smiled, showing her fangs. Dimitri noticed that the butler was human, 5'7', 168 lbs, around the age of 60's with black hair and a friendly demeanor.
Dimitri and Adrian realized the butler understood Rosalie used sign language. The butler led them through the grand entrance into a pair of double doors. Adrian couldn't believe Vasilissa Dragmir's family villa was as beautiful as the family villa.
Adrian noticed a painting on the wall that was beautiful. As he reached to touch it, Rosalie lapped the back of his hand while the butler said, "Please don't touch." The painting depicted a stunning landscape of the Carpathian Mountains. He quickly withdrew his hand, feeling a mix of embarrassment and fascination.
The butler reached knocked on the doors. When Vasilissa's voice said, "Enter." Dimitri, Adrian, and Rosalie could hear Vasilissa's angelic voice come from inside. As the butler opened the double door, he stepped inside and said, "Lady Vasilissa and Rosemarie, someone is here to see you both." Vasilissa said, "Please come inside."
Vasilissa and Rosemarie watch as Rosalie appeared behind the butler and came to stand next to him. The butler said, "Lady Hathaway has returned home." Vasilissa said, "Rosalie!" Rosemarie said, "Sissy!" As Vasilissa and Rose leap up from the sofa and dash across the floor, they wrap their arms around Rosalie for the biggest hugs.
Vasilissa exclaimed, "We missed you so much!" Rosemarie added, "Welcome back home, Rosalie!" "How did you get away from the guardians?" Rosalie smiled at both Vasilissa and Rosemarie. Rosalie started using sign language again. "Saying that she had a few surprises for both of you."
Vasilissa asked, "Rosalie, you know that we love surprises." Rosalie used sign language and said, The first surprise, I would like to introduce Lord, Adrian Ivashkov, and Guardian Dimitri Belikov, my mentor." Vasilissa and Rosemarie gasped in shock and excitement, their eyes widening at the unexpected guests. Rosalie beamed with pride as she watched her friends' reactions to her surprise.
As Adrian and Dimitri entered the room. Adrian found himself mesmerized by the exquisite furnishings and sophisticated décor. Vasilissa greeted them with a warm smile, her beauty radiating in the soft glow of the room's chandeliers.
Both Adrian and Dimitri could see Vasilissa had gold-blond hair, with jade green eyes, pale like most Moroi, at 5'10". Adrian and Dimitri moved their eyes to Rosemarie to notice that Rosemarie and Rosalie were identical twins. Long, dark brown hair, tan skin, 5'7", and brown eyes.
Adrian said, "Hello little dhampir." Dimitri and Rosalie rolled their eyes and were not surprised in Adrian's reaction to Rosemarie." Vasilissa said, "Lord Ivashkov, please be respectful." Rosemarie is not just a dhampir; she is also my sister." Adrian smirked and replied, "My apologies, Princess Vasilissa." "It's just hard to believe you have such a fierce warrior for a sister." Vasilissa smiled at Rosemarie, pride evident in her eyes as she said, "Yes, she may be a dhampir, but she is also my protector and closest confidante."
Dimitri had noticed that Rosalie was taller than Rosemarie, with different colored eyes. Rosalie had blue eyes, unlike her twin sister's brown eyes, and stood at 5'9". The subtle differences between the twins were intriguing to Dimitri. As he observed the two sisters interact, he couldn't help but wonder how their unique qualities complemented each other in their roles as protectors of Princess Vasilissa. The bond between Rosalie and Rosemarie seemed unbreakable, a testament to the strength of their sisterly connection.
Vasilissa introduced herself to Dimitri and said, "By the way, thank you for returning my little sister." "I hope that hasn't been any problem." Dimitri smiled and replied, "No problem at all." "It was my pleasure to help."
After everyone had introduced themselves, Rosemarie said, 'Sissy, what is your second surprise that you have for us?" Rosalie stepped away from them, turning around to face them, with both her hands out in front of her, when Rosalie's hands blushed in flames. Vasilissa and Rosemarie gasped, completely stunned to observe Rosalie's both hands were on fire. Vasilissa tried to understand how Rosalie was welling fire magic.
Before anyone says anything, Rosalie speaks by saying, "Liss and Rosie are not the only special ones in the room." Vasilissa and Rosemarie awed as they peered at Rosalie using fire magic. Rosalie, fire disappeared from her hands, as she said, "I have so much to tell you both."
Vasilissa and Rosemarie were so surprised to see Rosalie welling with fire magic and hear her voice once again. Rosemarie said, "Rosalie, we had no idea you had such a powerful gift." Vaslissa said, "Little sister, please tell us how in this world can a dhampir wield magic?" Wait a minute, did you just speak?" Rosalie smiled and said, "Yes, Liss, I found my voice."
Rosalie asked, "When is breakfast?" Vasilissa said, "Rosalie, we live on a human scale." Dimitri stepped forward and said, "Rosalie needs to eat to rebuild her strength." Vasilissa asked, "How is it that Rosalie has well fire magic?" Rosalie explained, "It's a long story, but I'll tell you over breakfast." Dimitri added, "It's a rare gift among dhampirs; Rosalie is a part of the sister of the Phoenix."
Vaslissa asked, "What is Sisters of the Phoenix?" Rosalie replied, "It's a secret society of dhampirs with unique magic abilities." Dimitri interjected, "They protect our kind and maintain balance in the supernatural world." Rosalie said, "We are the only female dhampirs that hold one of five elements." "I have the power of fire, while my other sister holds the power of Earth, wind, and water." There is one more sister that holds the power of spirit that we still need to find." As for the other three sisters, they are waiting for me to return to them at Heaven Academy."
Dimtri said, "Soon we'll return to Heaven Academy." Rosemarie said, "Where is Heaven Academy?" Rosalie peered over at Adrian to notice that he was moving closer to alcohol at the bar. Rosalie said, "Adrian Ivashkov, you promise no alcohol." Adrian said, "I just need one drink to take the edge off." Rosalie said, "No, I need a clean and clear head." "Now sit your ass down."
Adrian hesitated for a moment before finally complying with Rosalie's request and sitting down in one of the chairs. Rosalie gave him a stern look, making it clear that she was not going to tolerate any more excuses or slip-ups. Dimitri, Vaslissa, and Rosemarie watched the exchange with amusement, knowing that Rosalie was not one to be trifled with when it came to keeping Adrian in line. They exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging that Rosalie's determination was what made her such a formidable leader at Heaven Academy.
Rosalie peered at Dimitri and said, "Call Captain Alberta; that Princess Vasilissa Dragomir, Rosemarie Hathaway, and Adrian Ivashkov have been located." Dimitri nodded in agreement and quickly dialed Captain Alberta to inform her of the situation. Rosalie's keen sense of responsibility and leadership was evident in her swift actions to ensure the safety and well-being of her fellow students.
Vasilissa said, "Rosalie, what are you doing?" Rosalie peered over Vasilissa and said, "You don't understand that we are in great danger." "Do you recall the night the strigoi abducted Darius, André, and me?" "Yes," Vaslissa responded. Rosalie said, "The strigoi made me choose between Andre or Darius in which one to save." Rosemarie said, "You choose Andre." Rosalie said, "They turned Darius into a strigoi." Now, from that choice, Darius is hunting me; turn human into strigoi."
Vasilissa gasps, coming to realize that Darius would make Rosalie have to choose between Rosemarie or herself. Rosemarie asked, "What does Adrian have to do with all of this?" Rosalie said, "Adrian is also a spirit user, and he was traveling without a guardian." As the great-nephew of Queen Tatiana." Rosalie explained that Adrian's connection to Queen Tatiana put him in danger, as the strigoi were targeting those with royal blood.
Dimitri returned to the living room and said, "Guardian Pertov will be arriving in the morning on the human timetable." Rosemarie said, "She pissed!" Dimitri said, "She would take us back to Heaven Academy." Rosalie nodded in agreement, knowing that Guardian Pertov's arrival meant they would soon be leaving for safety. Rosemarie sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation and the sacrifices that would need to be made for their protection.
Rosalie smiled and said, "Now I have breakfast, lunch, or dinner." Dimitri chuckled and replied, "You always find a way to lighten the mood, Roza." Vasilissa asked, "Would you like some pancakes?" Rosalie said, "Yes, with a lot of bacon." Vasilissa said, "Good to have you home. Rosalie."
Rosalie reached over, grabbed Adrian's shoulder, and pushed him back into the chair. Vasilissa said, "You stated that Adrian is a spirit user?" Rosalie said, "Yes!" Vasilissa nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Interesting," she mused, tapping her chin. Rosalie raised an eyebrow, curious about what Vasilissa was thinking.
Rosalie said, "I have a gift for you, Rosie." Rosalie reached up, taking off the ring from her finger and giving it to Rosemarie, and said, 'It is a gift from another spirit user." "Oksana told me that I would know what to do with it when the time came."
Adrian peered at Vasilissa, Rosalie, and Rosemarie and noticed Vasilissa's aura was bright light around her; he moved his eyes to Rosalie to see bright red, blue with red tips, and as he moved his eyes to Rosemarie, he noticed darkness around her aura. Adrian moved his eyes to the ring to notice it was glowing with spirit magic as Rosemarie put the ring on. Rosemarie started feeling calm as the darkness started to disappear from her aura.
Adrian said, "That ring has spirit magic inside of it." Vasilissa, Rosalie, and Rosemarie looked at Adrian with questionable looks on their faces when Dimitri asked, "Come again?" Adrian explained, "The spirit magic in the ring is helping to cleanse Rosemarie's aura." Vasilissa asked, "What are auras?" Adrian knew that they didn't understand. but soon they would.