Goodbye Damon

Damon's P.O.V.

January

The Queen was taking a trip down memory's lane as she and her close friends and relatives walked on Academy grounds to scope out some old hot spots for her, Rose, and Christian. I was with them as part of school security and for extra safety.

The route ended up wrapping around the beginning of the tree forest, almost adjacent to the weird shaped pond and cabin. We were still far enough away from the pond and the cabin that they could barely catch a glimpse of it. None of us guardians—especially Rose and Dimitri—were going to let their charges near the 'entrance' the Strigoi used in the school attack all those years ago.

Our group began to peel away from the edge of the trees when suddenly a huge gust of fire burst in between the trees. The smell of smoke wrapped around and down our throats. Guardians closest to the Moroi took up even closer positions to protect their charges. A few people coughed and splattered.

"What the hell was that?" Rose exclaimed. We peered into the distance where we spotted a fire, blazing and thick, cloudy, dark grey smoke wafting into the tree tops and air.

It was the cabin.

The cabin was on fire.

Rose and Dimitri exchanged a knowing look. I didn't know what the hell that was about—maybe memories of the school attack were flashing through their minds. I knew Rose and Dimitri had been near this area when the first Strigoi attacked.

My colleagues started sending for help and making calls to gather equipment to put the fire out. Christian confirmed that it wasn't a fire user's magic doing this, it was a real fire.

"Is anyone in there?" someone in the group asked.

My head shot up instantly. I quickly scanned the small crowd: Lissa, Christian and their kids were circled by their guardians including Rose and Dimitri. Aliya was standing next to Anastasia and Sacha was beside me.

But Sophia and Nadya weren't here. They hadn't been part of the family group that took a walk around campus with the Queen. And if I knew Sophia well, I knew that there'd be a very high chance she'd be off in those woods sneaking a cigarette.

Right by the weird shaped pond.

Right by the cabin.

My heart pounded in my throat as I contemplated the idea that Sophia—and possibly Nadya—could be caught up in that fire.

There was a lot of commotion amongst the group. Guardians were anxious to keep the Queen safe and were trying to move her away and back into the heart of the campus.

I made a snap decision as everyone took up their roles. I didn't know for sure if Sophia was there, but if she was, there was no way in hell I was going to leave her there. I had to scope the place out. Fire or not.

I murmured his sister's name in his ear. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, Rose and Dimitri heard me speak her name too. They looked so torn between wanting to stay with their charges or going into the fire where their daughters could potentially be. I didn't wait around for them and I tore off from the group. Sacha's brows shot up and he was on my heel a beat later. "Damon—Nads could be in there too!" he shouted as he caught up to me.

I didn't blink. "I know."

I could feel everyone's eyes on us. They called out, begging us - particularly Sacha - to stay put but neither of us listened or turned back.

It only took us a couple minutes to reach the fire. I stopped before it, coughing from the smoke in my lungs.

"Stay here," I ordered Sacha.

"No! I'm coming with you. My sisters could be in there!" Sacha exclaimed.

I clamped a hand on his shoulder. "If they are in there, your parents don't need their third kid in there too."

I folded the collar of my coat up my neck and face to protect what I could of my skin. I took a deep breath and dove further into the smoke. It was hard to keep my eyes open with thick smoke piercing my eyes. I ordered myself to calmly breathe otherwise I wasn't going to make it out alive.

"SOPH! NADS!" I yelled out.

I circled around to the back of the cabin and found something black lying on the snow. It was slowly moving.

"Soph! Nads!" I called out again. I moved closer and saw the black thing was someone's hair and her coat.

It was Nadya.

"Nads!" I fell to the ground and flipped her onto her back. Her eyes were open, slowly blinking. She was alive and breathing. But there was blood smudged on her face and I couldn't tell where it was coming from.

"Nads, come on," I said starting to pick her up. She waved her hands in front of me.

"No, I'm okay," she groaned. She cocked her head to the cabin. "Go get Soph, she's up there."

My heart dropped. No. This could not be happening. She was too close to the flames and the smoke. How could she even be alive right now?

I shifted Nadya a little further away from the cabin and called out for Sacha. I hope he heard me because I charged back to the centre of it all wasting no time and leaving Nadya clinging to a tree. I went in the direction Nadya pointed to and rather quickly found Sophia lying across the ground.

"SOPH!" I yelled. I didn't waste time this close to the fire to see whether she was conscious or not. I simply picked her up and held her close to my chest. I used part of my coat to shield her from the smoke and flames as I ran out with her in my arms. She was almost lifeless and limp. She hadn't made a sound since I picked her up so I knew for sure now she was definitely unconscious.

"Come on, BK, wake up," I prayed quietly.

I went to the same spot I left Nadya. She wasn't there anymore so I went back to where I left Sacha and thankfully the two of them were there. Nadya was weak, clinging to her brother.

"We need to get out of here," I told them. They cast worried looks at Sophia. "Come on." That prompted them to move their feet. Nadya leaned heavily on Sacha as we fled the woods.

Rose's P.O.V.

I took one look at Dimitri and our decision was made.

"Lissa—"

"Go. Just go, Rose," she cut me off and pushed me into the woods. I looked to the rest of the Royal Guard and nodded. They would cover Dimitri and I for the moment.

We tore off from the group, breaking protocol, and ran into the woods to the cabin after our son and possibly daughters.

We followed the same path Damon and Sacha took except when we reached the fire, I saw Damon disappear, and then Sacha followed in the same direction a few seconds later. Dimitri and I went the opposite way to save time.

"Soph! Nads!" I called out.

"Milana! Nadya!" Dimitri called out.

As we walked around the perimeter of the cabin, we found nothing but burnt wood, flames, snow and trees. No sign of a struggle, of movement, or blood.

"Maybe they're not here," I breathed to Dimitri.

We circled to the other side of the cabin and that's where we could faintly see footsteps and definitely blood.

"Damon and Sacha must've left and taken whoever was here," Dimitri suggested.

"If anyone was here. For all we know this could be Damon or Sacha's blood," I added.

Dimitri nodded and we quickly left the cabin. I gave it one last wistful glance before we ran back. Dimitri noticed and said, "There's other special places for us, Roza."

"I know, it's just…"

"I know."

We didn't need to say anything else.

Once we made it back to the others, I was not relieved to see Lissa still present. Christian had - thankfully - taken the kids and left with some guardians. Newcomers had shown up: people readying themselves to put out the fire and even the school doctor and nurse with first aid kits and medical equipment.

I nearly bit Lissa's head off for staying when something shifted in my peripheral vision and what I saw was nearly the end of me.

"No," I croaked out. The school doctor - Dr. Oldenzski's daughter - was taking my first baby, my eldest girl, out of Damon's arms and putting her on a stretcher. Her and the nurse were super quick and put a non-rebreather mask over her mouth and nose.

Nadya was leaning on Sacha's shoulder and looked half-dead.

Dimitri and I raced over to them and asked if everyone was okay. We didn't hang around much and followed the doctor and nurse with Sophia to the infirmary. Nadya needed to get checked out too.

Lissa followed with her guardians and I could see in her eyes she wanted to heal my girls. That was why she hung around. I gave her a soft sad smile and shook my head, silently telling her not to worry.

We waited around for what felt like forever. Sophia was in a private room while Dr. Olendzki cleaned her up and did her checks or whatever else. Nadya was in another room getting cleaned up and checked out too. We were told they'd give her some oxygen too. Sacha was going to get checked after Nadya just in case. The nurse quickly checked Damon over but he brushed most of it off, claiming he was fine. He remained posted by the door to Sophia's private room, deep in thought it appeared. Sophia's room was opposite the waiting room where we all sat.

Dimitri and I were so anxious and agitated. Lissa remained with us which made me feel a little better. Christian later showed up with Anastasia and Aliya. The two were too worried to wait in their dorms.

I felt a little silly having almost the entire family present but I knew they weren't just here for us. They were here for the kids and to be there for everyone. Our little support system.

I eyed Damon carefully. He looked a little breathless and ragged but other than that, okay. I assessed him a little more and dug deep. He had this expression on his face. Serious. Impassive. Worried. Concerned. Love?

I thought back to how he acted when he thought Sophia might be caught in the fire. (What the hell she was doing there in the first place, I have no idea.) And the fact that he was standing so protectively in front of her door right now. I couldn't help but think this platonic friendship might mean more to him than it does my daughter.

I gently nudged Dimitri. He regarded me with surprise. I gave a tiny jerk of my head to Damon. Dimitri's eyes slowly glanced to Damon then back to me. He raised a questioning eyebrow. I leaned in close to my husband and said very, very quietly, "He has feelings for her. Look at him."

Dimitri stared at Damon for some time then turned back to me. He gave a slight nod of his head agreeing with me.

Damon's P.O.V.

I was restless. Not very patiently waiting for the doctor to come out of Soph's room and tell us that she'd be okay. Those burns on her arms were third degree at best. And her face…God, she's lucky it didn't get burned off. Only a couple of scratches; I presumed she held her arms in front to of her face to protect herself.

The sliding doors to the infirmary opened up smoothly and quietly on its rails; Alberta walked in clutching a white envelope. She was visiting campus too this week as a sort of check-in with Stan and the rest of the guardians. We'd already caught up with each other upon her arrival but she wasn't visiting for long and had many tasks ahead of her.

And it seemed, she had one important task to take care of right this instant. She scanned the waiting area, trying to find…me. Her expression turned grim. I glanced at the envelope and back at her face.

I knew what that was.

She held the envelope out to me in between her forefinger and middle finger.

"Your timing is impeccable," I muttered, taking the envelope and stashing it inside my jacket. She passed me a small, wry smile and turned on her heel. We didn't need to communicate much at the moment—we were both thinking the same thing. It had already been discussed earlier this week.

Just as Alberta walked off, Nadya stepped out of her hospital room down the hallway. Only I could see her from here, the reception desk obscured the hallway from the waiting room. A dark look crossed her features instantly. She must've witnessed the interaction between my great-aunt and me. Well, technically, so did everybody else in the waiting room; but Nadya was known for adding things up faster than most. She was intuitive like that. And something in her face told me she knew exactly what Alberta handed me.

Nadya stormed up to me, heels clicking on the sheet vinyl floor. Like Alberta, when she reached me, she didn't say anything. She simply grabbed my jacket, reached inside and pulled the envelope out of my pocket. I didn't even try to stop her. Everyone across from us in the waiting room drew their attention to the commotion we—she—was making.

In one fluid motion, Nadya teared open the letter and read it. Her eyes narrowed as she skimmed down the page. Scoffing, she slapped the letter against my chest. "You're not going there," she snapped.

"I don't have a choice, Nads." I stuffed the letter back inside my jacket.

Nadya crossed her arms and fixed me with a hard glare. "This is bullshit."

"Hey, what's going on?" A new voice jumped in. Nadya and I looked up at Anastasia and Aliya who had just come back from a coffee run, takeaway cups in both their hands.

"Damon's going to Siberia!" spat Nadya.

Anastasia's eyes widened and Aliya's jaw dropped.

"You're moving to Siberia?" Another voice added in shock. The four of us drew our gaze down the hallway, following the sound of the voice. Sacha had come out of the same room as Nadya. The nurse must've checked him out already. Sacha wasn't near the fire for long so he really didn't have any injuries.

"Why in the hell are you going there?" exclaimed Aliya.

"It's my new assignment," I replied.

"No shit, but does your new assignment have to be in the middle of butt-fucking nowhere?!" exclaimed Nadya.

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Language, Nads. Besides, isn't that where your Dad went? And your Aunts?"

"So what?"

"My assignment at St. Vlad's was always temporary. Until they found something…better, for me. You already knew that."

"And this is better?" exclaimed Aliya.

"You can't go! You're the best teacher Moroi have ever had for combat!" cried Anastasia. Before the attack, my couple sessions of substitute teaching for Moroi combat had turned into a semi-regular thing.

"Who the hell is going to take over you?" added Aliya.

"I don't know, but it'll be someone good," I reassured them. The only response I got was a bunch of unhappy exhales and scoffs.

"What about Soph? You're her mentor," Nadya pointed out.

"Again, they'll give her someone else. You guys know all this." We were going in circles. "I know you guys are trying to find any loopholes you can but Hans isn't going to change his mind because my fan club full of novices—and Anastasia—want him to." I folded my arms over my chest. "Like everything else, we just have to put up with it."

They grunted in agreement and fell into silence for a little while. The only sounds came from the reception desk where the receptionist was off tapping keys on her keyboard. That is, until, Anastasia began complaining again. "Why Russia? Of all academies in the world?"

"St. Basil's need teachers who can speak Russian. I'm assuming that's why they're sending me."

Eyes widened and heads turned in my direction.

"You can speak Russian?" asked Aliya in disbelief. Our conversation was put on pause as the door behind me swung open and Dr. Olendzki came out. We stepped aside as she strode towards Rose and Dimitri who met her halfway.

"She's fine," Dr. Olendzki said with a small smile. "Her breathing is back to normal but we're still giving her some oxygen. The worst of her injuries is third degree burns on both forearms and some bruising on her ribs which I presume is from her knocking into something—perhaps the ground—trying to escape the fire." I glanced at Nadya whose face grew a little guilty then. "She'll need to sit out of practice for a couple of weeks until the injuries heal and is much less painful for her to move. I've prescribed some pain medication for her to take in the meantime."

"Can we go in and see her?" piped up Nadya.

Dr. Olendzki turned her friendly face towards the younger sister. "Sure. Only for a little while, she needs her rest."

Nadya nodded and darted into Sophia's room. Rose and Dimitri thanked Dr. Olendzki and followed Nadya.

Feeling a sense of relief wash over me, I left the infirmary for my room and took a shower. Sophia was okay, surrounded by family and didn't need me right now. I could relax a little now.

Nadya's P.O.V.

"You need to tell us everything that happened start to finish," said Dad, obviously worked up.

"And don't edit anything out," added Mom angrily, pacing across the room like it was a catwalk.

Sophia rolled her eyes. "I've told you everything."

No, she really hadn't.

Mom stopped amidst her stride and yelled, "What you want to tell us. We're asking you for the whole truth!"

"Mom, it's not that big of a deal! Heaps of kids go way past the boundary line every day," Soph yelled back.

"Yeah, but none of them are stupid enough to go to that part of campus! You know it's beyond off-limits to students!" Mom was getting madder by the minute.

"I know that!" shouted Sophia.

"So why would you go there of all places you can escape to on campus?!" growled Mom through gritted teeth.

I watched their screaming match like a ping-pong game.

I could feel the irritation radiating off my sister. Soph folded her arms across her chest in her hospital bed and glanced out the window. "It doesn't matter."

"It matters to us!" said Dad enraged. "You could've gotten yourself and Nadya seriously hurt, or worse."

"Well, I didn't, so can we move on from this whole thing?" she snapped, jerking her head back to them.

"No! Because clearly you hang out there far too much if Damon knew you could have possibly been there," yelled Mom.

"And as a matter of fact, why does he know you are often there? He as an instructor and your mentor shouldn't be letting you get away with this," added Dad.

"It's my fault," I intercepted, finally joining the conversation and saving my sister's ass. If she said one word about her and Damon hanging out by the cabin, there is no way in hell Mom and Dad would actually believe they were just friends. And they really were. Nothing sordid was going on.

Three pairs of eyes swerved to me. "We were having a fight before the incident occurred." I met my sister's eyes. Her face dropped, shame spread all over her. "She stormed off into the woods and I followed her. There must've been a gas leak or a fire already burning in the cabin because while we were arguing, most of it nearly blew up in our faces. Soph pushed me out of the way and took the brunt of the flames." I exhaled deeply, finishing my spiel.

My confession seemed to have dried up a little of Mom and Dad's anger in a matter of seconds. It was mostly the truth. Soph and I were having a fight but it was over her smoking. I knew she was going into the woods to have a cigarette which is why I followed her. But the cabin getting caught on fire was a mystery to us. A gas leak seems the most plausible cause—I know for a fact that there is a gas stove attached in the cabin. All it would take is one flame to ignite a huge fire.

"The only reason Damon knew Soph could've been at the cabin is because…I told him…behind her back. I begged him to not say anything but just to look out for her instead," I finished slowly. That was a complete lie. Damon actually caught Sophia smoking there one day. He kept her secret and since then, he'd sometimes join her in that section of the woods to keep an eye on her.

None of us condoned her smoking, particularly Damon. We've tried nonstop to make her quit; nothing works. So, Damon figured that being there with her was better than not—Soph was going to find a way to do what she wanted regardless.

Dad crossed his arms over his chest. "He still should've said something. He's an instructor, he knows that."

"Obviously, Dad. But…" I purposely gave a far-off daze.

"But what?" followed Mom.

I drew my gaze back to Soph. "But he listened to me because I think he saw how desperate I was that no one ever find out she was sneaking off regularly. I—we owe Sophia. Ever since we were born she's always been looking out for us and putting us first. If this was the one thing she needed to do to get away from everybody then so be it. At least if Damon knew her whereabouts he could do something about it." I flicked my eyes to my parents and stared at them squarely. "And honestly, even if he reported her to Kirova, what was she going to do? Everyone knows how to dodge security around here. Hell, you even helped sneak Mom back in to her dorm after curfew every now and then."

Dad didn't like the bite in my words. He narrowed his eyes at me, meanwhile Mom found it kind of amusing.

"Point being every now and then not every day," Dad annunciated.

"I wasn't out in the woods every day either. It was every now and then," said Soph, giving Dad a level look.

He sighed in exasperation, shaking his head. He began muttering in Russian about how cheeky his daughters are. Soph and I exchanged a tiny smirk.

"Okay, here's how it's going to be from now on with you two: no more lying," declared Dad, "and definitely no more sneaking off in the middle of the night." He passed Sophia a hard stare when he said that. "I want you both in your dorm rooms well before curfew and I'm going to ask the matrons to keep a closer eye on you both."

Sophia and I shot up in rage and started shouting the same things. "Dad! That's not fair! We hardly did anything wrong!"

He responded in Russian saying his word was final and it's a light punishment—perhaps not even one—considering what we did.

"Mom?" I appealed to her.

She shook her head. "I agree with your father. At least for now."

Sophia's P.O.V.

This week couldn't have ended sooner. It was one of the crappiest weeks ever. First, was the whole recovery thing and my arm being exposed to my family which I would've rather stayed a secret. Second, was the fire I managed to get myself and my sister caught in. Third, was the fight I had with Mom and Dad about said fire. Thankfully, Nadya spectacularly came to the rescue. Fourth, after my arm being magically healed I was back to being injured and sitting out of practice. Life was glum and boring, especially with no practice.

I also hadn't seen Damon around since the fire. He visited me once in the school's clinic but other than that, we hadn't hung out or run into each other. Of course, me being injured lessened the need to see him as my mentor anyway. But I noticed how rather empty my time was without him.

The last six months I was used to seeing him most days. But three, nearly four days had gone by and nothing. I almost felt like he was avoiding me because of the fire but…that'd be a stupid reason. There was no reason to avoid me, was there?

Aunt Lissa had flown back to Court. Mom and Dad were supposed to go with her. Instead, they extended their stay due to the fire and my injuries. I reckon they also wanted to keep an eye on Nadya and me for a little while longer. I also secretly wonder if Mom and Dad had ulterior motives for staying. I mean, not that they aren't staying for us, they are. But, I wondered if they were becoming suspicious of Damon and me. We obviously had a connection different to professionalism but everyone knew that was because we knew each other beforehand. Mom and Dad obviously knew but even during summer, they kept questioning whether we were together. Were those questions starting to crop up again?

I couldn't put my finger on it. I just had a feeling they were watching us too. Why else did they sit in on my mentor session with Aunt Lissa who is really good at reading people?

An inner part of me told me I should just be upfront and simply ask them and clear the air.

Come dinner time, I was unintentionally given the opportunity.

"Soph, have you spoken to Damon lately?" asked Mom while we ate.

"No." I squared my shoulders and drew my spine upright, noticing the implication of Mom's words. "Should I have?"

Mom shrugged and merely shook her head. "No, baby, just wondering."

My earlier thoughts were brought back to me. Now was the time to ask and be honest. I had an opening segue that didn't make me appear to be the suspicious one.

I swallowed my piece of potato and steak. "Why are you 'just wondering'? Is there something you're worried about?"

Mom took a sip of her water before replying. Dad was looking between us, anticipating where this conversation might be headed.

"Is there something you think I should be worried about?" Mom countered.

I dropped my fork down on my plate causing a loud clank. "Do you always have to do that?" I hissed irritably.

"Do what?" she stared at me open-mouthed and innocent.

I gestured towards her. "That. Answer a question with a question."

She had the audacity to curl up one corner of her lips and soften her eyes in amusement. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't realise I was doing it."

"You didn't answer my question," I huffed, snatching up my fork.

Mom leaned back in her chair. "You might be right on some level. I'm not worried per se, just merely wondering…"

"Wondering what?"

She began playing with her glass and then at last, slowly dragged her eyes up to me. "About you and Damon."

I groaned out loud and dropped my forehead to the table in embarrassment. And annoyance. I nearly banged my head on it several times.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Rosemarie Hathaway?" I whined.

I jerked my head up and glared at both my parents. They seemed to find it a little funny at my calling Mom by her full name for a split second before returning to their serious, guardian-imposing faces.

"No. I am not dating my mentor!" I exclaimed. "Why do you keep asking me that?" I became exasperated.

"Because you two act nothing like mentor and student," Nadya chimed in from one head of the table.

I turned to her, incredulous. I opened my mouth to explain and protest but she silenced me with a raised hand. "Stop. Don't even think about lecturing me. I know what you're going to say."

"You sure as hell can't be agreeing with Mom and Dad," I grumbled.

"I'm not. I'm just saying that I understand why Mom and Dad would be curious about your 'friendship' with Damon. You guys are like…" she struggled to finish her sentence.

"Two peas in a pod," Mom said.

"Yes!" Nadya agreed.

I threw my hands up to the sky. "I am going to say this for the last time—"

"Oh, stop droning on about it," groaned Nadya. "They believe you, okay?"

"Good. I don't want to hear anyone asking about it. Ever again," I added harshly.

"Fine, we promise. Not a single word," promised Mom, miming closing a zip over her lips.

"And anyway, that's not why your mother asked whether you've spoken to Damon lately," Dad explained.

I jerked back in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Dad shook his head. "We'll let him tell you, Mila."

I glanced around the table. No one was meeting my eye. Nadya and Mom buried their noses in their plates. Sacha kept playing with his cutlery, remaining as silent as he had the entire night.

"What the hell's going on?" I asked.

"Damon will tell you, malyshka." He nodded to my plate. "Finish your dinner."

"Dad," I said in a warning tone.

"Mila," he said back in an equally warning tone but was ten times scarier coming from him.

I didn't back down. "Dad."

Sacha sighed loudly. "His transfer came through," he said bluntly.

I frowned at first. Transfer? Transfer for what?

Then it hit me.

Damon's guardianship at the academy was temporary from the get-go. All of it was a matter of time. Well. It seemed time was up. He was going to move on to his next assignment.

"Where is he going?" I asked Sacha, considering no one else wanted to answer. Now they were giving each other dark looks. I suppose whatever murderous expression crossed my face was sending a warning to the rest of them.

"St. Basil's," was the curt answer I received from my little brother.

"St. Basil's? As in Siberia, St. Basil's?" I almost stood up as disbelief and surprise coursed through me.

Sacha nodded sadly. He looked so…dejected and disappointed. We all knew this day would come but…so soon? We had become used to Damon. Not just me. Everyone. Sacha had begun to really look up to him and because of our close relationship, I would say he probably regarded Damon almost like a big-brother figure.

Assessing Nadya's demeanour now, she bore a similar type of sad hue like Sacha. Her and Damon might've started off on a rocky road but she had really come to like him lately. I think he left a serious impression on her because he turned out nothing like she imagined him.

Something else I picked up on amongst my family members was that they were all kind of waiting for something…My reaction, I'm guessing? I hadn't said anything about the news. Was it a surprise? Yes. Did my face convey my outrage? Not anymore. I was really good at masking my feelings and a blank face was perfect for that. My siblings had a hard time guessing what was truly going on behind my poker face. I schooled it too well.

"Soph," said Nadya in a gentle tone she barely used, "you should go talk to him."

I stabbed and sliced another bite size piece of steak, resuming my meal. "After dinner."

I didn't find Damon after dinner.

No.

If he was leaving, he could find me and tell me. I wasn't going to be the one chasing this up.

Turns out, I didn't hear from him all night. Not until morning when I was in the cafeteria eating a tray full of nutrient-dense foods for breakfast. Nadya sat beside me munching on a muffin and chattering away. I was absentmindedly listening. And then as my mentor walked in the door, bringing in the chill with him, I stopped listening to my sister entirely. She had been going on about some sophomore year drama I was not inclined to listen to, no matter the day or time.

I eyed my mentor as he scanned the cafeteria which was buzzing with students. People scavenged around with trays of food, others scoffed down the remnants of their plate or bowl, and others rushed around with coffees and milk in hand.

The sharp azure-ness I'd bore into multiple times found me and his head made a tiny jerk indicating to follow him.

I gobbled up the rest of my breakfast, grabbed my hot chocolate and fruit salad and hastily told Nadya I'd see her later. She waved me off easily once she saw Damon hanging by the doorway.

"Hey." I chose to remain as casual as I could approaching my mentor.

"Hey." He glanced down at my beverage and fruit in hand. His brows knit together a smidge. "Sorry. Hope I didn't interrupt breakfast too much."

I shook my head. "It's fine. What's up?"

He beckoned me to follow him, curling his index and middle finger and gesturing over his shoulder.

We headed outside, traipsing along the frozen ground. One hand was warmed by the hot temperature of the hot chocolate and the other remained cold and numb because of the fresh fruit salad that'd been refrigerated. Suddenly, I wished I ditched the fruit and left it for Nadya, who ate nothing but carbs and refined sugar for breakfast. A little natural sugar wouldn't kill her to try.

We passed by several students heading into the warmth of the building we just exited.

Damon didn't speak as we sloshed through the snow carefully. Neither did I. I felt like I knew what he was going to say, so I remained quiet until we stopped walking.

Finally, he brought us to a halt by a cream stone fountain behind one of the buildings that held classrooms and the library. Seating circled round the fountain which we sat on.

"Soph, I gotta tell you something." He propped an elbow up on the ledge of the top of the seat which was actually the base of the fountain. Damon leaned back comfortably into the smooth architecture of the plain fountain seat. Casual postures were a natural commodity for him. It was rare to find him wound up and tight.

My lips betrayed me. And instead of hearing him out, I blurted out, "You're leaving the academy? Aren't you?"

His eyebrows shot up conveying his mild surprise. "Yes. Who told you?"

"Who do you think?" I asked dryly.

He drew out a long whistling sigh. "Nadya."

"Close. Sacha, actually."

He simply nodded, waiting for more; knowing I had follow up questions.

I did not waste time dwelling. "When do you leave?"

There was a pregnant pause before he answered.

"In two days." His eyes turned sad and full of sympathy. And I realised it was for me, not so much his leaving. Rather, how quick this was all happening and how it'll affect me.

I swallowed my real feelings about this and put on a brave face for him, so he wouldn't have to worry about me.

This was about him. And this transfer was…huge. It was a really great opportunity for him. It meant that the Council were becoming more trusting of him—finally—and that could mean even better jobs in the future. St. Basil's was tough. It was not an easy school to get into. They were pretty selective about their teachers and curriculum. Henceforth, turning out some of the best guardians in our society. This is why my Dad is so good at what he does. He had some of the best training and teachers.

For Damon to be transferred there to train more students…Well, 'wow' was one word for it.

Yes, I would miss the closest thing I have to a real best friend. Yes, I would miss my mentor and seeing him every day. Yes, I would miss the banter and jokes and sarcasm we often tossed around. And yes, I'd miss having him around in general and his superb listening skills.

But, I would get over it.

We were not bound to this place forever and let's face it, I could be shipped off to anywhere in the world in six months anyway. Us being separated was eventually going to happen. It's just that it's happening in the next 48 hours.

I forced a bleak smile. "It's soon," I admitted. "But it's not your choice."

The sadness in his eyes transformed into warmth. I'd given him a comforting response. This move was just as hard on him as it'd be for me.

"It's a really wonderful opportunity," I continued. "Imagine how this will look for future prospects."

He nudged me gently with his knee. "I have you to thank for all of this." His hands spread out wide as he gestured around him.

I let out a soft ripple of laughter. "What are you talking about? I did nothing."

"You don't remember that badass letter you helped me write to the Guardian Council in summer?" The lower half of his face filled out into a sly grin, while the upper half of his face remained warm and inviting. "That letter got me into this academy. And from all the mentoring you and by extension of that request, your circle of friends and siblings, you built up the goodness in my reputation for once. Plus, the attack…" His face dimmed a shade darker.

I shook my head, rueful. "Damon, that was all you. True, I might've put you on the map but if you were a terrible instructor or guardian, well, none of these opportunities would've happened."

The air turned light between us despite the harsh coldness whipping our cheeks red and icy. I basked in how easy our friendship was and locked this moment away in my heart full of memories. It was bittersweet.

"This is why you're my favourite." He dropped his elbow from the ledge it was resting upon and squeezed the top of my knee.

"Why?" I tried not to obsess too hard over that hand on my knee.

"Because you know the right thing to say. You know how to make it easier on me," he answered gently. "Your sister and Anastasia nearly ripped me a new one when they—forcibly—found out."

I threw a chuckle back in my throat. "Hey, I know you have a soft spot for Nadya too."

Damon glanced out of the corner of his eye at me, giving me that signature knowing look. A look that meant I'd guessed something accurately.

He exhaled and might've begun to say something else but the bell signalling the end of breakfast took over instead.

"Better get going." He stood up and held out a hand. I happily took it and he held my fruit salad as we walked to my first class.

Damon's P.O.V.

I repressed the urge to let out a long, breathy sigh as I clamped down the boot of the car having shoved my suitcase and belongings in it.

This was it.

The last day came and went like that. My six months at St. Vladimir's was officially over. And now it was on to the next one. Sometimes, the guardian life really sucks.

I spun on my heel, facing the crew that had come to bestow their last goodbyes and well wishes upon me. I'd never expected this, to be honest. I had said all my goodbyes to my students in our last classes. I had dinner with the Belikovs and the girls' friends last night. I didn't ask or expect anyone to show up here. I was just going to pack up the car and get dropped off the airport and see them all…well, whenever the next time will be.

But they all surprised me. Everyone was here. I glanced from face to face. The Belikovs, Anastasia, Aliya, even Chad and MJ. All except…one.

I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned against the black SUV. "Just can't get enough, can we?" I taunted them all playfully.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, Damon: this is bullshit," Nadya said, copying a similar stance to mine. With the exception that her stance was more of a pose and more feline with her hip stuck out and sharp elbows pointing out and down.

"Nadya," I sighed.

She rolled her eyes in the back of her head. "I know, I know." She departed from the sides of her parents and came over to me first. She wrapped her arms around me.

"If you see my cousin, Kira," she muffled into my jacket, "kick her ass for me, okay?"

I nearly laughed but it didn't warrant a response. So, I pulled away from her and my next sender-offer threw her arms around me in a similar manner to Nadya.

Anastasia.

"We'll miss you around here," she whispered.

Aliya was next and she did the same thing, and began reminding me of all the Russian swear words I am to use to "make her proud".

When Chad and MJ came round to say goodbye, we each did the bro-handshake thing.

Then, it was the parents. I wasn't entirely sure of their presence and I wondered if they had simply tagged along with their kids. Or perhaps they felt it was semi-part of their duty as older guardians: sending off a younger guardian to their next job.

Dimitri gave me a similar handshake as the boys but it was definitely more manly and more on the professional side.

"I can't thank you enough for what you've done for my kids, and especially my Mila," he told me, dark eyes serious.

"It was an honour and a pleasure," I said to him, just as seriously. I glanced to Nadya and Sacha. "They're all really something."

Dimitri gave a small smile of gratitude and stepped away as Rose came up to me.

"You're going to be awesome over there. And they'll love you. I just know it." She hugged me, which for a moment sort of stunned me. This was the second time she'd ever approached me in this manner and I was surprised because she meant it. It took Rose a long time for her and I to see eye-to-eye. I guess most recent events really showed my true colours and intentions and she…appreciated it. Very much so.

"Ah," I scanned the mini-crowd of fresh-faced teenagers, "I'm going to miss all you crazy kids."

They all laughed and waved me off as I opened the passenger door of the car.

Rose looked back at them. "You guys better get back otherwise you're going to miss all of lunch," she said sternly.

"We'll go once he drives off," Nadya insisted.

I shook my head at her. "I've got to wait for Portia to finish her shift. She's driving me to the airport. You guys will miss lunch." I jerked my head to the direction of the cafeteria. "Go."

Nadya seemed unsure for a moment, gnawing on her lip between her teeth. "Go, Nads." I urged her. Then I used a more lilting tone, "I know you're hungry."

Anastasia, Aliya and Sacha smiled at that.

"We'll be in touch," she told me. And with one final wave and mock salute she grabbed her buddies and flew to the cafeteria.

Rose and Dimitri began to retreat too, and I waited until the young ones were plenty out of earshot before calling back the pair.

"Rose! Dimitri!"

As one, they tuned abruptly.

I beckoned them back. "I need a word with you two. Alone."

They scurried back towards me quicker.

"What's up?" Rose asked put on high alarm.

"Okay, relax, it's not bad news," I said first. I saw her visibly loosen all over. "I just needed to inform you both of something, without those eavesdroppers nearby."

Rose and Dimitri exchanged a humorous glance. He wouldn't admit it, but he found my comment pretty funny. Rose, always obvious, snorted.

"So, what is it?" asked Dimitri.

I peered around and checked no one was lurking behind us either.

I lowered my voice. "You both need to know something about Sophia. I never told the school nor the Guardian Council. But I will make it known to Alberta soon."

They both leaned in eagerly, brows pulled together in concern and curiosity. Rose balled her fists nervously.

I dropped my voice even lower. "I taught her something that the school would never approve. That the Council would only approve in certain cases."

My words forced a rigid line in Dimitri's back causing tension throughout his body. His face was always blank and serious. But even I could note the subtle changes that presented itself physically. He was trying to figure out where I was going with this before I say it. He was bracing himself for anything.

"Damon, what did you teach her exactly?" asked Dimitri in a dangerous voice when I took too long to continue.

It didn't faze me. "I taught her how to sharpshoot."

The look on Rose's face was a hybrid of horror and shock. "You WHAT?!"

Dimitri's face was fleeting. At first, I though I spotted a tiny bit of relief but it was quickly followed up and mirrored the same shock as his wife. "Damon, why would you teach her that? And why are you telling us this now?"

"Look, whether you two want to admit or not, we all know your daughter can handle something like that if it comes down to it on the field. She's got a clear head when she's out there and she would take this far more responsibly than anybody else." My words soaked up some of their shock. As what I said sunk in, I could see the clocks turning over in their heads.

"Have you considered what this might do to her if one day she has to kill a human?" Rose asked, the huffiness returning.

"Yes. Which is why I chose to teach her. For one, she's so good that she could avoid it. And two, if that ever did happen…"

"She'd be okay," Dimitri, surprisingly, finished for me.

Rose turned an incredulous, wide-eyed glare on to him. "Dimitri!"

"Anyway," I interrupted, not wanting to see a marital argument crop up between these two right now. "Just thought I'd let you know. Because, and I honest to God believe this—-I don't think she'd ever tell you."

Rose scoffed in agreement. "You're probably right about that."

A brushing in a nearby tree paused our conversation and drew our attention to the right.

Soph.

"Speak of the devil," muttered Rose.

She stood underneath a tall tree, leaning against the trunk and palm wrapped over the bark.

As one, Rose and Dimitri stepped away but hovered nearby to give give us a little privacy and space as Soph left the tree she was clinging to. I met her halfway.

We didn't need words. I opened my arms and she immediately stepped into them, crushing me into a bear hug. There was nothing romantic about the way we hugged. I kept my arms around her shoulders and even as she nuzzled her face against my chest—which I think she was doing to seek warmth from the cold more than anything.

"You're like the bestest friend I've ever had," she murmured.

I squeezed her shoulder. "Same here."

We pulled apart and I peered down at her. Often times, I'm so used to her and she's so mature that I forget she's only seventeen—and much shorter than me. She's been through a lot and seen a lot for seventeen years. She carried the weight of the world on her all the time. Looking down at her now, I realised how small she was. Not just in height, but in life. I helped her through so much. I helped shield her and guide her. Now that shield and guide was coming off. Well, physically at least.

"You know you can always call me," I reassured her.

She nodded and attempted a weak smile. "Yeah, I know."

"Good." I canted my head. "Now get outta here, girl. There's food to be eaten and spars to be won."

She chuckled and began moving towards her parents. "Goodbye, Damon. Have a safe flight."

"Do svidaniya." I grinned.

Her smile grew some more and she shook her head.

It was the best last thing to glimpse at before leaving this academy.

Please don't kill me for lighting the cabin on fire! If it helps, it survives not completely burnt to the ground! lol.

Hope you guys liked this super lengthy one! I combined a few short stories and put it into one big chapter.

So excited for all the stories coming post Sophia's graduation, muahaha. See you in the next one!