Days turned into weeks and weeks into months and I began to get used to the ordinary routine of a “normal” teenager at an American school. Rose still hated me, Lissa was being nice as usual, Christian was being snarky as ever, Adrian drank like a fish, Dimitri looked depressed half the time, and I felt lighter…like a burden had been lifted off my shoulder.
It was another weekly meeting between Adrian and Lissa about spirit. I thought I would drop in just to see what they were learning or teaching each other. Lissa was teaching Adrian about healing and Adrian was trying to explain how to create spirit dreams.
“I don’t think I quite get it,” said Lissa troubled, “The visualization…I don’t know how to do it.”
“It might be easier if I show you,” said Adrian gently.
“Maybe later…I need a break…,” said Lissa tiredly, taking a seat.
“You’re holding out pretty well,” I commented, joining them on their break.
Lissa still thought I was a fire user.
“I mean look at Adrian…he’s a mess at times,” I continued.
“Well that’s cause of Rose,” explained Lissa.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Well, we’re spirit bound for one. And two…she keeps sucking the darkness out of me. I don’t get how either, but when she does she gets all scary and I feel like a burden’s been lifted off my shoulders,” said Lissa frowning.
“Isn’t that bad for her?” I asked.
“Yes, “ said Lissa bitterly.
A thought of realization hit me.
“Crap,” I thought, “I knew something was up.”
“I’ll leave you guys to your training. I have to see someone,” I said distractedly.
I wandered around the school until I found Dimitri. He was training with Rose in one of the gyms and her, well she wasn’t doing that well against him.
“Belikov, might I have a word,” I said frowning at him.
“I’m a bit busy, Princess,” returned Dimitri.
“Dimka, please,” I begged.
Dimitri let his guard down and walked towards me. Rose took the opportunity to attack Dimitri. I reacted without thinking, kicking her across the gym. Dimitri did a double take and so did Rose, when she finally was able to get up off the floor.
“What the heck kind of kick was that?!” demanded Rose, “A Moroi can’t kick that hard.”
“Yeah, well I can,” I returned.
“Where did you learn to do that?” asked Rose, a bit curious and jealous at the same time.
“St. Basil’s. Look it’s not important. I just want a word with Guardian Belikov and you can get back to training, okay?” I said irritated.
“Fine, whatever, make it quick,” grumbled Rose.
I led Dimitri into the hall and lowered my voice, being careful to speak only in Russian.
“Dimitri,” I started seriously.
“What is it Katia?” said Dimitri.
“Stop trying to protect me like you’re doing now. Stop, I mean it. You’re hurting yourself way too much over me,” I started, pushing him up against the wall.
“Princess…people will talk…” said Dimitri warningly.
I healed the darkness out of him like I had done for Adrian months ago. It burned gold again. I smiled, “Please, promise you’ll never do it again.”
