What about us: Vampire Academy

A darkness shared. Chapter 16.

"I know you." Lissa said. "There is something familiar about you."

My heart jumped into my throat. I watched Lissa examine my face, silently begging for her to recognise me. While even I wasn't stupid enough to disobey a direct order from the Queen, I still hoped Lissa would figure out who I was.

"Did you go to St Vladimir's?" Christian asked kindly, trying to counteract Lissa's hostility.

"Yes, but I left around four years ago now. You might of known my sister Penelope Cash, I believe she was in your year." I answered with the pre-agreed back story.

Penelope was a novice in my class, who dropped out of the Acdamey a few months before Lissa and I went on the run. She was a sweet girl, but very timid and not cut out for the hard life of a Guardian. Unfortunately, young Dhampir girls dropping out of school is a common occurrence. The only choice we have is either, become a Guardian or leave education completely.

"Oh, yes! I remember her. A quiet little thing. What does she do now?" Lissa sneered, which is very unlike her.

Wow. I really hope that this is just the darkness talking. Or was it grief? Even Christian looked appalled at what she just said.

"She is happy. She now lives in Iowa with her human boyfriend, Joey. She works at his family's sports store." I replied.

It was a true story and good for Penelope. Not many Dhampir are brave enough to explore the human world, or have the opportunity to find love. Dimitri's face flitted across my mind and with a sharp twang within my heart, I pushed the image aside. First, I need to help Lissa, then I can find him.

"Well, that's a bit inconsiderate of her isn't it?" Lissa scorned, flipping her hair. "Guardian numbers are falling, so if she isn't going to be one of them, she should be filling her duty by furthering her race instead."

What the actual fuck?! My jaw dropped so low, I swear it dislocated. This was coming from Lissa. LISSA!  The girl who believed in love at first sight and that everyone has a soul mate. When Adrian choked on his bourbon, it pulled me out of my disbelief. I turned to him and patted his back hard, as he continued to cough.

"Lissa!" Christian scolded her, shock and disbelief clear on his face when he turned to face me. "She doesn't mean that."

"Don't I?" Lissa challenged, her eyes flashing as she placed her hands on her hips. "That's all they are good for. They guard, reproduce and then die in duty."

Not able to believe what I am hearing, I turned my back on Lissa and pretended to straighten up Adrian's shirt. I closed my eyes and and pushed my way into Lissa's mind. Tatiana had forbade me to access the bond while in Lissa's presence, in case it blew my cover. However, I needed to know what Lissa was truly thinking, consequences be damned!

The darkness was staggering but underneath I could feel the hurt and grief she felt for my death. It wasn't her who was saying these terrible things, it was the darkness that was feeding on her grief. I opened my eyes and looked straight into Adrian's. 'Now' I mouthed to him.

"Lissa?" Adrian said, interrupting the intense stare off between Lissa and Christian. "Come for a little walk with me." He continued, holding out his arm.

"I'm sorry Adrian, I have guests that I need to attend to." Lissa replied, brushing him off.

"Oh come on Cousin, they will be fine." Adrian said softly, stepping closer to her, a little compulsion enforcing his words. "Let's just walk to the back room."

"Fine, but only for a few minutes."

"Lovely." Adrian smiled, hooking his arm in Lissa's and walked her to the private back room, with me and Christian hot on their heels.