Dimitri's POV in Spirit Bound Vampire Academy

Chapter 4b

Las Vegas. Sin city in the flesh. Who would have guessed Rose would stop by here? I sauntered past the streets, taking in the unfamiliar surrounding. The flashes of lights that appeared to be everywhere were irritating. Especially to my sensitive vision, yet they were alluring too.
I wasn't sure why I took an interest in this brightly lit city, it was probably because of how different it was to what I had been used to. In the states I had passed, they all in some way, looked the same. There was something about them that gave that "plain" atmosphere.
I suspected the coloured lights resembled the buildings in Siberia, with all shades of life. It certainly had a similar effect. The city filled with humans pushing past, making the air thick and tense, even at this time. There were only a few hours of moonlight left, before the sun would fight for dominance.
Deep down, I knew I was ready. To terminate the only threat to my new life, the barrier to my future. I was able to take down Galina, and Nathan. And I finished them off quicker than expected. But with Rose? It was taking longer than anticipated. Too long. And she's just a dhampir, whilst Galina and Nathan were Strigoi. Not to mention I had taken both of them down, on the same day. This didn't make sense at all, Rose doesn't make sense.
I looked down, at the map of the tunnels. Las Vegas had a much larger underground network, which was understandable. When living in a big city, such as this, keeping a hidden profile was almost effortless. Humans would go missing all the time, from our hunts, and no one would notice. Nor would they pay attention, they were too busy to care. And some of them think we're heartless.
The idea of having these tunnels were genius, Rose wouldn't know about these at all. Or many mortals . . . What if I utilised these tunnels to get to Rose. I'm sure the tunnels would lead me to hotels too, and that's where she'd go to, since her "night" was approaching. That would mean I'd get to her in broad daylight, a huge bombshell to her plans. She'd never see it coming, and that's where I strike.
Similar to before, I searched for a tunnel, which was difficult at first. There weren't any caves here, so the entrances were in dark alleys or quiet places. Humans had been stationed in a suitable perimeter around the city, just a phone call away. Whilst the Strigoi followed me, puzzled. They were mainly silent, and watching, but a rude comment managed to escape. A decapitation, and they stopped all together.
I stood in front of a battered, metal door. Many inhuman dents marred it, and it was surprising it still hung from it's hinges. I opened it slowly, wincing at the loud screech as it creaked open. I was met with long, narrow stairs leading downwards, which I took without hesitation. The lower I went, the darker it became. Until I was met with dried Earth everywhere. From confusion to bafflement, the Strigoi stared. Barely any light lit here, but it was more than enough for us to take in every detail of the underground haven.
Minutes before the sun would rise, I made it here. Uniformly, I dialed a number. "Where is she now?" I demanded.
"I need a minute," He said. He made a series of phone calls before he returned. "She's at the Luxor. And she has four Moroi with her, and a dhampir, too"
I switched the phone off, and skimmed through the map. I stopped at the name, relieved. The Luxor was famous for its pyramid like structure and luxury, that may be a problem. With a place as active as that, it'll be difficult to find her, let alone get to her without anyone getting in the way. But I'll manage, I've come this far, I'm not backing down. I've had more experience in combat than Rose, and my Strigoi abilities should give more than enough advantages.
It didn't take me long to work my way through, but I was pretty sure I had found it. I'm more than confident in my own abilities. And, well, the door before me had a metal plate nailed on, with the words "The Luxor" engraved into it. I pushed the door open, hesitated, then turned back to the network which I controlled.
"I only need a few of you with me." I selected some at random. They took a step towards me, without complaint. "As for the rest of you, wait here." Turning to the chosen Strigoi, I instructed them to fight. I even went as far as telling them to kill the guardians, including Rose, knowing that she'll be the one ending them. I turned away and stepped into the Luxor.
Not necessary the Luxor yet. I was met with a set of steps, which we climbed up effortlessly. The riches that surrounded me, reminded me of home, how I longed to return. Where I could claim my power, wealth and control. The threats were slowly disappearing, the thought of that life seemed so very close . . . But that wasn't the reason why I stopped in my tracks. I took a slow, deep breath, savouring the scent I had grown to prefer. A scent I was determined to end. Gotcha . . .