Into the Ether - Complete

The Winter of Our Discontent: Part 14

"What's happened?" I heard a panicked Lissa asking Celeste as they followed behind us as Alberta led me to her office. "Is Rose ok? I didn't think you were due back until tomorrow?" Christian and Tasha were trailing behind us.

"There was a Strigoi attack when we arrived at the Moroi house where Rose had her Qualifier. She's made her first three kills. She'll be ok; it's just a big shock - especially the first time and if you're not expecting it. I don't want to be rude, Princess, but right now it might be best she's with other Guardians. We've all been where she is and understand it a bit better. Why don't you give her a quick hug and leave her with us? She'll be feeling much better in the morning."

I could literally have kissed Celeste. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Lissa. She's my best friend, and I'd been missing her. But I needed a chance to pull myself together first.

Lissa stepped forward, pulling me into a tight hug just as we reached Alberta's office.

"I love you, Rose," she said – and I could tell through the bond she didn't know what else to say. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

"Love you too, Lissa," I said. "If you don't mind, I just want to talk it through with the Guardians? How about we catch up for breakfast or lunch tomorrow? I'll text you when I'm up."

She squeezed me extra hard. "Of course. If you need anything, let me know."

She walked back to where Christian was standing beside Tasha. Christian gave me a troubled look, Tasha a sympathetic smile before Alberta ushered me into her office and I sat on her sofa.

"You did well, Rose," Alberta said. "Art was very impressed."

"Yeah I bet – until I completely lost it when I spoke with Dimitri," I said disgusted with myself. Alberta's eyes flicked to Celeste. "It's ok – I've told her everything about him and me."

"That's good. Celeste, it goes without saying I expect you to keep that information to yourself. Did you want to talk about anything, Rose?"

"Not yet. Maybe later? But can you try and keep the news about the kills under wraps? Most of the students are leaving today or tomorrow for holidays. I was hoping just to get my molnija quietly while most people were away. That way it will be old news by the time holidays are finished."

"That's fine. We'll schedule it for a few days after Christmas when hardly anyone's around. Did you want something to eat?"

"No. I think I'll just go to bed."

"That's a good idea. Come and see me when you're ready tomorrow and I'll go through the paperwork for the kills with you. Art's done most of it, but it doesn't hurt for you to get used to doing it," she suggested. "I'm very proud of you, Rose. Art told me he wouldn't have survived the attack without the help of you and Matthews." Alberta sat next to me and gave me a hug. "Off you go now. If you run into anyone, tell them to radio me if they need an explanation why you're out of bed."

Celeste and I walked across campus together, preparing to part ways near the dorms as she headed to her room and me to mine.

"Well, it was a bigger day than I'd thought. I'm sorry you ended up in danger," I said. It preyed on my mind. Celeste and I could easily have died today.

"I'm a Guardian, Rose – it goes with the territory."

"I know. But still. I'd thought it would be an easy gig for you."

"I'm glad I went," Celeste said kindly. "You needed a friend today, and I was happy to be able to be there for you. Also..." she said, flushing red in the early afternoon sun, "I am a huge fan of Guardian Schoenberg and wouldn't have missed meeting him for the world. Fighting beside him was such a thrill!"