Shadow Rider (Vampire Academy Fanfic)

Chapter 64 - Rose

I was sitting with my feet dangling off the roof of one of the Court buildings, soaking up the remaining heat of the setting sun. It was a still, beautiful evening. My breathing was slow and calm, and deep in my soul I felt something settle and solidify, at long last. Peace.

Dimitri and I had taken a very much needed week off our duties, just enjoying each other's company, making the most of our days together. We didn't really know what Christian's plans were for the future, hell, the he didn't seem to know himself, but for now it seemed he was content to stay at Court, and thus, so were we.

Dimitri was sitting beside me now, his posture and features just as relaxed as mine. His sweats were rolled up, his muscular arms exposed in a loose-fitted tank top. Dimitri's skin was as tanned as mine now, and it was thanks to how much time we'd been spending in the sun. Running on a vampire schedule tended to take its toll on our more energetic natures. Dhampirs, although half-human, really did appreciate that rare brilliance of the sun. For me, it was one of the best parts of being dhampir. That and, well, being a kick-ass guardian.

I let the gentle breeze play with my loose hair while I admired Dimitri's profile. His eyes were closed, so he couldn't tell I was ogling him. Still, he was used to that. I'd been ogling him all the time back at St. Vladimir's. But there was something especially tender about him now. Dimitri was always so tense, so on edge, ready for anything to happen - seeing him like this, carefree and serene, really accentuated his actual age. I wanted to reach out and touch him; to stroke the line of his jaw, the light stubble that covered it, and the lips I loved kissing so much. But I didn't want to disturb him. So I kept watching him.

After a while, his hand moved to cover mine. I squeezed his hand in return, just savouring our closeness. To share a moment like this together, completely silent, to feel so comfortable around each other - it was a gift.

I finally tore my gaze away from Dimitri to look back out over the Court grounds. The gardens were in full bloom, and the grass was so green and healthy, it hurt my eyes. My gaze traveled over the colourful bushes and flowers, taking in hues of pink and purple and red, to finally land on...Casimir.

I sat up a little straighter.

He was strolling around the garden, clad in an aged overall and gloves, carrying a bucket filled with tools, tending to the plants.

Normally I would have found it completely posterous, a guy like Casimir doing gardening work. But now, it made perfect sense. Lissa had managed to persuade him to take the pills she periodically took to control the negative effects of magic use. As such, Casimir had been cut off from his magic for more than a month, though he still managed to find countless other ways of making himself useful.

Boy was I glad for it.

When Natia had left, I had fully expected Casimir to be the next one to fall into a deep depression. But it turns out, that's just not how he operates. Although Casimir was just as susceptible to instability and darkness as Lissa or Adrian, he had a remarkable sense of self-preservation.

I'd seen many different sides of him, but I'd never once actually seen him depressed. I still kept a close eye on him, but a part of me was relieved and even proud to see him handling everything so well.

His discovery of Natia's departure had even been...healthy. He was out and about, he still socialised with his friends, and he was always present during any events occurring at Court.

He had the remarkable ability of bouncing back from any tragedy, and yet...there was something off about him.

Even now, as he worked slowly and methodically, taking pride in his work, I could tell.

I sighed and glanced back at Dimitri, whose eyes were now open and silently regarding me.

'You're worried about him,' Dimitri stated, his eyes flickering briefly to the spot where Casimir stood.

'I'm not sure I'm worried, exactly,' I said, gathering my legs close to me.

'But you feel responsible over him.'

'Hard not to,' I said. 'The unspoken condition for Natia leaving was that I'd take care of him in her absence.'

'Not that he needs much caretaking,' Dimitri observed, scrutinising the hapless gardener.

'Are you sure?' I wondered aloud, frowning despite myself. 'Sometimes I feel like he's just...too happy. Like something's missing. Or someone, rather.'

Dimitri sighed. 'Do you think she'll ever come back?'

I wrapped my arms around my legs, resting my chin on my knees. 'I'm not sure. Is there anyway to tell? She's so unpredictable.'

Dimitri nodded toward Casimir. 'Then I guess what we should be asking ourselves is: what will he do, if she doesn't return?'

I shrugged. 'Probably return back home. To Scandinavia. He's technically achieved his mission. He united us. Offensive magic has never been so popular. Everyone is using it. Everyone is eager to stand up to themselves. The Eternal Quest is in full motion.'

Dimitri tilted his head back at the darkening sky, deep in thought.

'I did ask him,' I continued.

'Hmm?'

'I asked him whether it wasn't for the best...that he went home. But he refused.'

'He won't leave without her,' Dimitri deduced.

'He said he'd wait forever, if he has to.'

Dimitri's gaze met mine. 'I would, too - for you.'