Soul Bound

Chapter 21

RPOV

It only took a few days before most of the whispering and staring went down. Then it took another week to quiet down after I got my marks. That made three now. Many had said that taking down Natalie had been a lucky shot on my part. But beheading two Strigoi, one being the ringleader of the attacks, with a dull sword tends to leave even the most critical speechless.

But I was happy things were going back to normal. Although I now mostly wore my hair down to cover the marks up. Because they were still a little red from the tattooing and because otherwise people would just keep staring.

I walked across campus and was reminded by a very annoying voice and the scent of clove cigarettes that something had changed.

"Hey little Damphir, off to class?"

Adrian was standing against a tree smoking. He had been staying at St. Vladimirs since he left the resort. He was in guest housing and was working with Lissa and one of the teachers to explore the possibilities of spirit. He was teaching Lissa how to read auras and Lissa was teaching him how to heal. Although neither of them seemed to have a talent for the other. But mostly I think he was here to annoy me.

"You are not allowed to smoke on campus."

He gave me a cheeky grin

"I am not a student nor a teacher, so they can't expel me or fire me. And because of my aunt, no one will try. I am above the rules Rose."

I must admit finding out that Adrian wasn't just royal, but the current queen's favorite nephew was a bit of a shock. It meant that Adrian got away with everything. And he took advantage of that full swing.

I sighed at his statement. He was right; there was nothing I could do. He had been finding more and more ways to annoy me and to hang out with me. I liked Adrian but he was getting on my nerves. Although that seemed to be our deal. We would annoy and banter at each other. Lately though I had seen more than just good fun in his eyes. I knew Adrian had a bit of a crush on me. I mean the man reminded me at every turn. But I used to think it was all just good fun and he just used that as an excuse to swat my ass or make inappropriate comments. But now I could see the truth in those teases. I had seen the same with Mason too late. I wasn't going to make that mistake again. But with Adrian it was different. He knew about Dimitri and me. Adrian just seemed adamant he could change my mind.

"I have combat class to go to." I said walking past him.

"Oh Rose, I would let you beat me into a pulp anytime." He said winking and I just stuck my tongue out and kept walking, leaving a laughing Adrian behind.

DPOV

It was hot outside today, too hot for the time of the year. It was hot with my duster on. But there was no way that I was taking it off. But it did mean that the novices would have practice outside today. Although I was looking forward to seeing Rose spar with someone else for a change, I wasn't the only one.

Adrian was also watching the senior novice class with great amusement. I didn't like the way he looked at Rose, not one bit. He came and walked beside me and joined me in a casual stance watching them train. To my even greater annoyance he lit up a cigarette.

We kept staring at the field, not talking. He just kept looking at me and then back at the court with great amusement on his face. The way he looked at me, as if looking right through me creeped me out a little. I heard from Rose what Adrian's abilities are, and I was not pleased that my guardian mask would not work on him.

"Our girl is on fire today huh?, that's the third one she has taken down in less than a minute."

I turned to look at him angry.