What about us: Vampire Academy

St.Basil : Chapter 29

Rose's POV

Today is the day! My first Monday morning as a student at St. Basil. Sitting in the back of the van in-between Abe and Claxton, we were half a hour away and I was trying to squash my nerves.

I was due to arrive a hour before classes started. Abe and I, followed by Pavel and Claxton, are to sign the enrollment paperwork and receive my timetable. Abe will accompany me to my assigned room where I would dump my bags before heading to class while Abe will leave to attend to some 'business'.

"I still find it amazing that St. Basil operates on a human schedule." I muttered just to fill the silence.

"Life in Russia for Moroi and Dhampirs is slightly different compared to America." Claxton began. "Most Moroi continue to study at Human Universities after they graduate. The rest either return home, go to Court or take up employment in the human world. Therefore, it makes sense to run the Academy on human time."

"Also the Strigoi threat is larger here." Pavel added from the row in front of us. "Each Student Dorm is re-enforced with Steel shutters. If there is an attack on the campus the shutters drop, making safe hold bunkers to protect the students from Strigoi."

"But that's genius! Why hasn't St. Vlad's have anything like this?" I asked.

"This protection strategy only works if the Acdamey operates on a human timetable. As Strigoi only attack at night, it makes sense to have all the students inside the dorms at night, where it's easiest to protect them. I can't imagine St. Vladimir's swapping to a human timetable." Pavel answered.

I shook my head, muttering curse words under my breath. No. The Moroi wouldn't relinquish a single ounce of comfort, even if it ensured their safety.

"So, are you excited to restart classes?" Abe asked, changing the subject.

"Looking forward to not understanding a single word that's being said? Not really." I half joked.

"We've been through this Rose." Claxton butted in. "I will translate all instructions in the combat training sessions. As St. Basil have more Combat training, it only leaves three theory lessons in the final year; Moroi Culture, Bodyguard Theory and Personal Protection (or BTPP as I call it) and English Language. Besides, BTPP is taught in English often as a large majority on newly qualified Guardians are sent to Guard Royal Moroi aboard and I assume you don't need a translator for the English lessons." He chuckled.

"Don't stress Rose. You will be fine." Abe reassured me, softly stroking my hair once.

I hated myself for it but I froze. I wasn't used to such a loving gesture from a parent. I didn't realise how much I craved love and acceptance from a parent. Looking at Abe I returned his smile and not for the first time I wondered what it would of been like to have him around while growing up.

"There she is." Claxton gushed happily.

Leaning over Abe, I looked out of the window. The cement wall that surrounded the campus was HUGE and it went on for miles. It was a little daunting how strong and impenetrable the place looked.

We drove up to the heavy metal gates, after our identification documents were checked, we were motioned to continue.

Behind the wall, I got a real look at the place. To the left was huge wooded area filled with lush, green trees. To the right there was three outdoor workout/ combat training areas. But in front out use us was the biggest build I have ever see. The building looked like a mixture of a castle and a church, built with a beautiful white/grey stone.

Pulling up to the front steps Pavel and Claxton exited the car closely followed by Abe and I. A short but stocky Guardian in his late fifties or early sixties emerged from the front doors and walked towards us, greeting Abe in what I assume was Russian.