SPIRIT BOND: Anna and Vladimir's story

CHAPTER 20: Difficult Memories

Vladimir's POV

I stood there on the deck a few seconds longer, watching Anna's retreating figure. Before I followed after her. When I reached the door Anna was already in her room. I lifted my hand to knock. But before I could knock the door swung open "How'd you know?" I breathed. She smiled and tapped the side of her head "Right." She opened the door wider. I walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. She closed the door and took a seat between her pillows, folding her legs. I turned away from her facing forward "I'll tell you". I felt her shift softly on the bed "Alright" She said softly. "When I was eighteen my brother died" She nodded "You already told me that" I nodded "Yes but not everything" She frowned "What didn't you tell me Vladimir?". I sighed the circumstances surrounding my brother's death".

She said nothing waiting for me to speak again. I took a deep breath "Anna, I killed him". It felt like hours before she finally spoke "I don't believe that" I frowned "But it's the truth" She sighed "Tell me the whole story Vladimir". My mind momentarily lost it's function recallimg the events of the night Immanuel died. "We were in Moscow at court with my father. He wanted us to see and interact with more royals to learn how to come forth as respectable young Dragomir Lords. I didn't have much of a nack for it, but my brother, he was excellent at it. And at twenty one years old everyone loved him. But know one knew his miscivious side. He would sneak us out almost everyday to explore the city without the watchful eyes of any guardians around us. It was the most fun we'd have with our time at court.

But then one day we ran into a few thugs as we were exploring the market area. They seemed to have been looking specifically for us, but neither one of the four said it. They left after Immanuel exchanged words with them. We explored a little while longer before we went back. Immanuel was on edge but I didn't know why. We walked into the an alley as a shortcut, but we got stopped by the same four thugs that had confronted us before. This time they held their elements as weapons, each with a different element. At that time I still hadn't specialized and I was weak. Immanuel was an amazing fire user, he took them head on fighting them relentlessly. I watch in horror as one of the thugs hit him from behind and he fell down. Anger overcame me and I saw red. When I came back to my senses the thugs were down for good. But Immanuel laid there in a puddle of blood" I stopped letting the harsh reality take hold of me. I struggled to breath.

"Vladimir it's alright" Anna whispered placing her hand on my shoulder. I took a deep breath before continuing "My father took it hardest and blamed me for his death" I felt her hug me close to her chest "Is that why you can't bear seeing him?" I nodded "You want his forgiveness" I closed my eyes and slowly breathed, trying to compose myself. I refused to give in to the pain my memories caused "It's the main reason why I don't wish to go there" She nodded understandingly "You'll be just fine Vladimir. I won't let anything happen to you" I lifted my head looking into her eyes "Thank you Anna".

The next few days flew by and my mood had lightened a lot. Only when I caught my father's eyes would my mood darken somewhat. Anna knew the cause of my dark mood. She kept me away from my father by resuming our training. I still lost every time I fought her, but I felt myself growing stronger both physically and mentally. She would train me just before sunset and sunrise when the ship was quite and no one was on deck. Danila joined us after a while and helped Anna teach me more maneuvers. On the last day on the ship we trained until after sunrise. The far away sounds caught our attention. Anna smiled going to the railing. Somehow the prospect of home made her happy. I went and stood beside her "You know Anna since were heading to Moscow we'll be passing through your village" She turned to me "I know" Her answer suprised me because it had no real emotion "Are you alright?" She turned to me "Yes. I was just thinking about how good it'll feel to be back on solid land again" I nodded in reply showing Anna that I understood and shared her thoughts.

I let her watch the sunrise in peace as I moved to Danila "Something's bothering her" Danila nodded "Really? She seems fine to me" I shook my head "She didn't sound happy when I told her that we'd be going through your village towards Moscow". Danila's eyes grew dark and serious "Perhaps she was just lost in thought" I frowned "That's not it". Danila shook his head before placing a hand on my shoulder "When she wants to talk about it she will. She usually vents on the things that bother her for a while until she feels the need to tell anyone". Danila left after that heading towards his quarters. I took a seat on the deck and waited for Anna. She finally turned back to me. "You shouldn't be in the sun Vladimir" I smiled at her scolding me "It's not that hot yet. I think I'll manage a little while longer" She took a seat next to me. "Will you be alright at court?" I frowned "What do you mean?" She let out a breath "I mean will you be able to handel the memories" I locked eyes with her "Honestly I'm not sure, but if I feel like I can't handle it you'll be the first to know" Her eyes searched mine a while longer "Just make sure to remember that" I nodded.

Once the ship pulled into the harbour we were rushed into a gaint carriage that had enough room for me, Alexandra, Claire, Rina,my father and the two female dhampirs. Anna didn't like the fact that she had to ride in the carriage, while the other guardians rode on horses ahead, alongside and behind the carriage. After assuring her that she would have her chance, she calmed down and got into the carriage without an argument. We rode in silence until my sanctimonious father decided to speak "Vladimir?" I looked towards him "Yes" His expression matched mine "Don't expect a warm welcome at court" I watched him before answering "Why is that?" He sat forward "They don't take kindly to people with strange gifts. They see them as threads that need to be eliminated" His eyes held more seriousness than usual. 'Why is he warning me?' I thought. I felt Anna shift beside. I turned to look at the. She met me with a look I knew well. 'Fine I'll talk to him' She gave an approving nod.

"Why are you telling me this ?" He sat back "I'm merely telling you this so that you are prepared for what's to come" His smug look returned and I really had an urge to knock it off his face. Anna lightly elbowed me in the ribs. I leaned towards her "Don't you dare do whatever you're thinking" A smile escaped my lips. "Alright I won't, but you have to admit it's tempting" She tried to hide her smile "Not out loud,no" I chuckled at her. "I don't understand you two" Alexandra said watching us with interest "Why's that?" I asked oblivious to anything strange. "You didn't talk to Anna or to us and yet she answered you" I leaned back "It's like she heard your thoughts" I looked at her a little while "No, I have many abilities and so does Anna, but I don't think that's possible" She set her eyes on Anna "What kind of abilities do you have Anna?" Anna looked at her with an almost uninterested expression on her face "You've already seen what I can do, Your Majesty" Alexandra shook her head with a smile on her face "Alright you don't have to talk" Anna nodded and turned towards the window.

I closed my eyes briefly before looking at her aura. It had a it's usual black surrounding a grey colour. It confirmed my suspicion that something wasn't right
Anna's aura usually had a different colours varying mostly from gold to blue and in between. I didn't ask her what was wrong instead I let her vent following Danila's advice. I made light conversation with Alexandra and Valeria for a while before I took a book and read to pass the time. The carriage coming to a halt drew me out of the book and I looked up seeing the sunset "Shift change" Anna said at my confused expression. 'Oh' I mouthed. I calmed a little, which confused me more I was on edge. Then it hit me Anna was going to join the next shift. The was opened and Anna jumped out before I could say anything to stop her
"Don't worry Lord Dragomir I'll watch over her for you" Valeria said as she too got out and was replaced by Danila and another guardian who's name I didn't know. Even though Valeria said she'd watch over Anna dread still filled me. " Where are they riding Danila?" He turned to me "Up front" His voice held as much consurn as mine "She'll be fine" He said after a few seconds sounding calmer. "I hope you're right".