YOU LOOK NICE, TOO. NOT NEARLY AS NICE AS ROSE IN THAT SUIT, THOUGH.

[ season 1 — episode 6 ]

Rose was sitting on the edge of her bed, taking deep breaths. Both Lissa and Mischa were there as well, waiting to walk to the Dhampir section of the church with her. Before leaving for the Royal Tour, Rose would be getting her first Molnija mark — the sacred tattoo given to a Guardian for each Strigoi skill. It was especially honorable because no Novice had killed one since Rose's mother when she was in school. Only Dhampir would be able to view it, so Lissa and Mischa would have to wait on the lower Moroi level while Rose was getting her tattoo.

The decision to give Mischa a Molnija mark was still up in the air. No Moroi — living at least — had ever killed one before. It was clear that the Council didn't like that Mischa used her magic offensively, and Victor suspected they didn't want to encourage her behavior by giving her a mark. A surprising number of Guardians were making a case for her to receive a mark, though. They found her actions to be impressive and brave — something worth celebrating.

But for now, Rose would be the only one to receive a Molnija mark. And it was clear she was nervous about it, even after receiving an 'I'm proud of you for once' email from her mother. Janine couldn't make it due to an assignment, but an email was far more than her daughter had even been expecting.

Once inside the church, Mischa and Lissa couldn't see the ceremony, but they could hear the rhythmic chanting of the Dhampir in Old Moroi. Neither twin actually knew how long tattoos took, but given how small the mark was, they figured it couldn't be too much of a wait.

That theory was proven correct, but not for the reason they thought. Rose ended up fleeing the ceremony before the needle could even touch her skin. Luckily, Lissa managed to grab her before she could fully get away. It took several minutes to calm a distraught Rose down so that she could explain what happened.

What happened was she was overcome with memories of Mikhail. And she didn't feel she deserved the mark, as it was only a reminder that she killed him — that it was her fault he was dead.

"You have to stop blaming yourself," Lissa told Rose, who was wiping away her tears.

"I killed one of my only friends," Rose said.

"Rose," Mischa said softly. "You didn't kill Mikh—"

"Don't lie to me, Mish," Rose said, sniffing as she cut her eyes toward her. "You know I did. And your face when you realized it was me who did it... You'll never forgive me, and I don't blame you for that."

Mischa's eyes watered, only able to remember that night in flashes. Part of her wished she didn't remember any of it. But she recalled how she looked at Rose with betrayal in her eyes, ready to blame every part of Mikhail's death on her because she'd been the one to drive the stake through his chest.

"It wasn't you that killed Mikhail," Mischa whispered, looking at her hands. "The Council killed Mikhail — I won't be forgetting that any time soon. You didn't kill Mikhail, Rose."

"You killed a Strigoi," Lissa added. They all knew that Mikhail was killed the moment the other Strigoi forced him to drink his blood. "You saved us, Rose. Both you and Mischa saved all of us."

Rose nodded and took a few deep breaths to try and reel in her emotions. Then, to change the subject away from herself, she narrowed her eyes at Lissa. "So Jesse Zeklos? That's the best you could do?"

Mischa covered her mouth to hide a snicker. No, she wasn't happy about her sister proposing to Jesse as a way to get on the Council and Royal Tour. She hated that it was necessary because of some dumb, ancient law dug up to aid whatever undoubtedly nefarious plot Tatiana Vogel had. But there was nothing to be done about it, so the least she could do was try to have fun with it.

At least she wasn't getting married.

"Look, I've got him under control," Lissa told them.

Immediately, Rose and Mischa's eyes widened, thinking that maybe Lissa was forcing him into the arrangement. "Lissa," Rose said in a warning tone.

"I'm not compelling him. And I won't," she assured them. "But this is why I have to go on the Royal Tour. This Ivashkov guy... I mean, he can know a lot more about Spirit and this darkness that I've been feeling."

Lissa had never met Adrian Ivashkov, unlike Mischa who met him a few years back on a family trip to Portugal. While Lissa was busy walking the beach with their mother, Mischa was running around the hotel with Andre, who introduced her to Adrian when they ran into him. Andre didn't particularly like Adrian, but they were civil like most royals were with each other.

As it turned out, while Mischa was off trekking through the woods for the Benchmark-final-gone-wrong, Lissa was observing a traveling art exhibit that was owned by Adrian. It had a painting that depicted St. Vladimir compelling someone. Now, she was hoping he'd have some more art or knowledge about the piece that could help her.

Adrian wasn't the only reason Lissa was going through with this ridiculous Jesse plan. "And you know I need our quorum back 'cause if we can help even a little to stop what happened to Mikhail from happening again, I have to try," Lissa reminded Rose. "Jesse's really the only viable option for all of that."

Rose rolled her eyes and smirked. "In a nice, neat pervert package."

"With a slightly crooked nose," Mischa added, grinning as she thought about her punch.

"He'll just go to the same place you got your nose job," Lissa said, bumping her shoulder. "Now, let's dry our eyes and pack. We're gonna be very busy the next few days."

☾

Mischa was always a faster packer than Lissa. So, while the youngest Dragomir was trying to pick out all her possible outfits, Mischa was sitting on top of her second full bag, dragging the zipper closed on it. There were a lot of ballgowns packed for the many events they'd be attending on the Tour — and Heaven forbid they be outfit repeaters.

"What do you think of this?" Lissa asked, holding up a headband covered in flowers that was basically the size of her head.

"It's cute... for ten years ago," Mischa said under her breath. Lissa scoffed playfully before throwing the headband at her and grabbing a more subdued headband that still had flowers. "That one's much better."

Before Lissa could ask any more fashion-related questions, there was a knock at their door. After Lissa let them know they could enter, Peter Tarus from the Council stepped in. He was dressed formally, clearly planning to leave on the tour soon, though he didn't look happy about being there.

"Hello, Peter," Lissa said politely. Mischa simply nodded — she didn't have anything polite to say to any of the members of the Council, even if Victor told them Peter tried to get the Strigoi pulled from the field. "What brings you here?"

"Nothing good, I'm afraid. And I was the one chosen to break the news," he said, trying to not nervously toy with his fingers. "A decision has been reached regarding your actions with the Strigoi."

Mischa slid off her suitcase and stared him down, ready to hear if she'd be getting a Molnija mark or not. "What'd you decide?"

Peter took in a deep breath. "You will be permitted to be marked as Guardians are—"

"That's great!" Lissa interrupted, beaming proudly for her sister's accomplishment.

"However," he said slowly, "using magic as a weapon is forbidden. It is still a sin even when used against a Strigoi, it seems. For that, you must receive punishment. Before you leave for the Tour, you're required to report for an ecclesiastic reprimand for willfully using your magic as a weapon. Failure to report will result in your expulsion from St. Vladimir's Academy. They're already waiting for you at the church."

"What?" Mischa asked, raising her voice. Peter winced, likely not agreeing with the Council's decision either, but there wasn't anything he could do. "I was saving our lives! That Strigoi wanted to kill us!"

"But the Council and church believe it to be the responsibility of the Dhampir to protect you. To use their own skills. And it is still a perversion of the Elements," he explained in a shaky tone. "I am sorry, Lady Dragomir. But if you wish to make the Tour, you'll need to go now."

"I'll come with you," Lissa said, moving to her sister's side. They'd only ever heard rumors about the gruesome punishments reserved for those that misused their magic. "I won't let you do this alone."

"No," Mischa said quickly, shaking her head. Though she was nervous — scared — she didn't want to give Lissa something more to worry about. "Just, uh, finish packing, and I'll meet you at the car when it's over."

Lissa didn't want to let her sister go, but Mischa finally got away. Peter went to follow her out but looked back at Lissa regretfully before glancing at the suitcases. "Perhaps... you should pack glove options for your sister. Especially for the formal events."

"Gloves?" she asked with a frown. "Why would she need gloves? To cover her hands?"

"You'll see," Peter said with a grim expression before moving along.

By the time Mischa got to the church, her heart was in her throat. Up at the altar, the High Priestess was nowhere to be found. It was surrounded by the masked acolytes of the church who remained faceless at all times. No words were said as Mischa approached, eying the ancient-looking, large, metal machine that was sitting before them.

There were two openings in the front, and Mischa could see the ends of the inner walls were sharp, seeming to be in some kind of shape. When one of the men nodded toward the machine, Mischa's stomach sank, having a fair idea of what kind of punishment they had in mind.

Slowly, she knelt in front of the machine, finding that it was at the perfect height to slide her hands inside. And that's what she did, trying to hide any indication of fear on her face as she eyed the sharp points.

A tattoo would be nothing compared to this.

Then, the same man held onto a large wheel and began to turn it, making the gap smaller and smaller while the acolytes chanted in Old Moroi. Suddenly, a stabbing pain shot through Mischa's hands as they were pierced from the tops and palms. Mischa let out a soft cry and clenched her eyes shut, holding her breath as her hands burned. She never was good with pain.

As tears were sliding down her face, the man began speaking in Old Moroi, which she could hardly comprehend through her pain. "Oh, holy Elements, we beg forgiveness for this Elemental User's transgressions. For her blasphemy and her willful disregard for your sacred purpose. May the Saints guide her home."

Mischa had done a shitty job of breathing, as she didn't do it until he turned the wheel the opposite way, releasing her hands. She choked on the air, unable to stifle her sob now that she was free. Her hands were shaking as she pulled them from the machine as quickly as she could, fearing it'd happen again.

When holding them up, both sides of her hands were branded with ancient Moroi symbols that declared her sins to the whole world, there to mark her for life and serve as a reminder every time she raised a hand to use magic. No one said a word as she watched the blood trickle down her wrists, staining the sleeves of her white sweater crimson.

☾

Lissa didn't heal Mischa, though certainly not for lack of trying. Mischa didn't want her to heal it, and it wasn't because of her and Rose's worries about how Spirit affected Lissa. No, it was because she wanted the reminder. She wanted to remember how she was treated for using her own magic — something that was hers and shouldn't be regulated by the church and Council. The scars would be there forever, and so she'd never forget how much she hated them for this and what happened to Mikhail.

Thankfully, the bleeding stopped by the time the Royal Tour arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, where the St. Ignatius Province resided. It wasn't very far from the St. Vladimir's Academy in Spain. Like its neighboring Province, it had many large, castle-like structures and beautiful fields and vineyards that they drove past on the way.

The first official event of the Tour was a caucus held for all the royals to decide who they wanted as their future ruler of the Dominion. So, it was a party full of booze and schmoozing from both Victor and Tatiana. Mischa, of course, would be talking up her godfather all night.

Mischa looked as lovely as any other girl did. She wore a gown made of light, silk organza that was layered up to create an opaque garment. It was nearly white but had a blue tint to it. And a headband with matching white and blue flowers was in her hair. Mischa wasn't quite sure why all the women had flowers in their hair for the caucus, but she liked it nonetheless.

Another unplanned accessory was the set of formal white gloves that went up to her elbows, effectively covering her still-bandaged hands. The only ones in the room that knew of her injury were the Council members, the Queen, and Lissa. Though soon, everyone would know. That was the whole point of them branding her in the first place — to make an example of her. She heard Mia might get the same punishment for apparently using her magic on Jesse when he threatened to bite Meredith that same night.

Mischa didn't let her soured mood from the punishment stop her from having a good time. She stood by her sister, who was letting her soured mood affect her as they spoke with Jesse. It wasn't like they wanted to be with him, but Lissa needed a way to speak with Adrian Ivashkov at the upcoming Trust Party that was the next day.

An invitation arrived for Mischa as soon as word spread she'd be on the Royal Tour, and Adrian wanted to see her again. But there was no plus one on the invite, and Adrian's parties always had tight security, so Lissa would need to score one for herself. But Jesse had more things to worry about. It seemed he was really itching to get married as soon as possible — or his father was, at least.

"My dad's pressuring me for a Marking Ceremony date," Jesse muttered, clearly worried about a long engagement.

"And I'll be happy to give him one, once I get what I want," Lissa said stiffly, earning a confused look from Jesse. Even Mischa shot her an odd glance at how she worded herself. "An invitation to the Ivashkov Trust Party."

Jesse shook his head and took a sip of his drink while looking around the room. "There's no way I'm getting you an invitation to that. You have to be on some fսcking exclusive list."

"Like me," Mischa said, grinning smugly at him. Jesse simply rolled his eyes at her.

"Ladies Dragomir," Dane Zeklos said while passing them. "Son." He didn't stop for any chitchat, not wanting to be around Jesse willingly.

Lissa watched him go with interest. "Well, then, I'll have to try someone with some real power," she said snidely before going after his father. "Lord Zeklos."

It left Mischa and Jesse standing next to each other, who felt rather awkward as they looked around the room, not wanting to be around the other. But Jesse sighed and opened his mouth eventually. "So, seems we—"

"Nope," Mischa said, downing her champagne glass in one go before walking off. She'd rather get her hands stabbed again before enduring a conversation with Jesse.

Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration.

Mischa took a few minutes to walk around the room, dropping compliments to various royals and getting caught in short, shallow conversations. And in each one, she'd work in ways to praise Victor and his ideas, working them as easily as Andre did when he was alive. There was a reason the Queen always grouped her and her brother together — they were immaculate at putting up a charming front, even when they loathed the person in front of them.

A person such as Tatiana Vogel.

Though Tatiana wasn't in front of Mischa at the moment. The Dragomir might have punched her in the face before she got a word in just for her claims about the field test being a success. Instead, Mischa stood next to Eddie, Meredith, and Rose, watching as Tatiana talked to a few royals to make her case.

Given that Dean wasn't fit for duty yet, they were the only three to come on the beginning of the Royal Tour. Each of them was standing along the wall in dark navy suits that all Guardians wore when at formal events. Mischa made sure to let them all know how hot they looked in suits, which earned smirks from Rose and Meredith, and a shy smile from Eddie. But those pleased looks faded when they listened in on the conversation happening not even ten feet away from them.

"It's all just a numbers game, really," some man was saying to his friends. "Our dear Lady Vogel here, she understands. More bodies in the field means stronger security in the long run."

"Only one Novice died in the Benchmark Tests. They're clearly capable at a younger age. The rest of the dead were seasoned Guardians," Tatiana said. Mischa found herself clenching her fist in anger, and winced when her nails touched her sensitive palms. "Perhaps they need to be tested more regularly to make sure they're not past their prime."

"Is she serious right now?" Eddie asked in disbelief. He knew many Moroi barely valued them as living beings, but it hurt to overhear it firsthand.

"Who's the asshоlе with Tatiana?" Meredith whispered.

"Mason's dad, Stefan Carter."

Rose's eyes went wide. This was the guy that Mason nearly ended their relationsh — friendship with? "You mean the guy Mason idolized till he was twelve? He's throwing all of us under the bus."

"Not just us. Non-Royals, too. He's making bank moving non-Royals from the villages that lost their Guardians to the Relocation Centers. He gets five thousand mirs per head," Eddie revealed.

"Five thousand," Mischa whispered with wide eyes. Sure, she came from a family where five thousand mirs was practically nothing, but when you were collecting it per person, Stefan's bank account would be growing at an exponential rate in the coming days.

"Slimy Fսckеr," Meredith muttered, glaring at the man. "I heard they're pulling Guardians off detail to help with the relocation."

"Yeah," Mischa confirmed. It was why she hadn't seen Dimitri since leaving St. Vladimir's.

"Wait, which villages?" Rose then asked.

Meredith shrugged while listing them. "All of them. St. Ignatius, St. Judes, St. Vladimir Provinces."

"Mikhail was from Caroni Village here in St. Ignatius, right?" Rose asked.

"He was," Mischa said quietly, growing sad as she thought about it. That must have meant Mikhail's father would be relocated if he was even in good enough shape to make the trip. Last she'd heard, he was incredibly sick given his old age. "Him and Sasha — all of them grew up there."

Rose took in a sharp breath before suddenly storming off. Mischa and the others whispered her name, which did nothing to slow her down. With a sigh, Mischa lifted the skirt of her dress and ran after her, wanting to make sure she was okay. If it had anything to do with Mikhail, she had to know what Rose was planning.

She followed Rose all the way outside and caught up just as Rose reached the nearest Guardian who had a tablet in hand while monitoring which cars came in and out of the parking lot. But he looked at Rose expectantly, clearly recognizing her. All Guardians knew who she was now. "I want in on relocation duty. Caroni Village. I can do it."

"No," he instantly denied. "Novices were brought here to shadow the Tour."

"I'm the first Novice since my mother to kill a Strigoi. My talents would be better suited elsewhere, don't you think?"

After a moment, he sighed and nodded his head. "Fine. Report to Head Command for the Caroni relocation immediately."

"Great," Rose said with a pleased look. But then he walked off, not giving her more information. Rose called after him, putting her hands in the air. "Who's Head Command?"

"I am." When they heard the familiar, deep voice, both girls turned to see Dimitri a few feet back. They hadn't noticed him walk up. "So, you're looking to be relocated?"

Rose nodded confidently. "To Caroni Village."

Mischa couldn't quite hold Rose's hand in her condition, so she settled for nudging her and whispering in her ear so that Dimitri wouldn't hear. "Are you doing what I think you're doing?" Rose simply nodded silently. With a heavy heart, Mischa managed to turn the corners of her lips up. "Send them my love."

"Was already planning on it," Rose said. Once they stepped apart, Rose glanced back at the ancient citadel that the party was in. "You should get back inside — keep Lissa from punching Jesse."

Mischa let out a scoff. "Yeah, because I'm the perfect person for that job."

Rose smirked and pushed her toward the building, and coincidently, toward Dimitri. She hadn't been expecting the sudden movement, but before she could trip on her heels, Dimitri caught her arms, keeping her upright.

"Thanks," Mischa breathed out, looking up at him. She hadn't seen him since that night in her room where he held her. Now that she wasn't constantly crying her eyes out, she was able to remember how close they had been, how caring he was, how safe she felt.

"It's no trouble," Dimitri said with a half smile. Then his eyes moved down her form, taking in her dress — though not taking in her pink cheeks. "You look lovely tonight, Princess."

"You look nice, too," she said softly, not really looking at his standard field jacket. Then she quickly cleared her head of those thoughts and let out a giggle. "Not nearly as nice as Rose in that suit, though."

"I did it all for you," Rose joked. She'd been pretending like she wasn't there, watching how Dimitri watched Mischa so carefully. And later, she'd likely chastise her friend for bringing her into the conversation with a hot guy that practically saw Mischa as the center of his world.

"Be safe in Caroni," Mischa said, looking back at Dimitri. "Both of you, please. It's my one request."

"As you wish," Dimitri said. "Goodnight, Princess."

As he spoke, he took Mischa's gloved hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. Any butterflies building in her stomach were stifled as he gave an affectionate squeeze.

Mischa flinched away instantly, ripping her hand from his grasp. She turned her head away so that he wouldn't see her wince — and she didn't see how his face fell, thinking it was a reaction to him.

"Right, I need to get back inside," Mischa said quickly, giving a smile that they all knew was forced. Before Rose or Dimitri could say anything, she scurried off, back toward the citadel.

Once she was up the front steps and through the large doors, she leaned against a wall and let out a sigh. Mischa unclenched her right hand and stared down at the red bloodstain that was at the center of her palm, letting her know her wound opened back up.

It was nearly sunrise, and Moroi healed quickly, so she knew her hands would start to fully close by the time the sun went down once again. That didn't make this any more inconvenient, though. Sure, Mischa wasn't ashamed of the injuries on her hand, but at that same time, she didn't want Dimitri to see them, especially while still fresh.

Good thing he wouldn't really be around for the next few hours.

☾

Another thirty minutes were wasted at the party. After cleaning her hand — while her wound reopened, it wasn't hard to get it to stop bleeding again — Mischa found her sister in the crowd and stayed by her side. Mischa made sure to keep her gloved hand facing toward her gown so that no one would notice the blood staining the white silk.

It wasn't long before the twins grew bored of talking to all the royals who didn't even see them as their equals anymore because of their lack of quorum. They made their way over to Meredith and Eddie. It wasn't necessarily proper to talk to Guardians while they were on shift, but the rule wasn't as strict given that they were just Novices.

Victor was far too busy to entertain them, and Sonya — well, Mischa couldn't even stand to look at Sonya. It hurt too much. Perhaps by the end of the tour, she'd muster the courage to talk to her without breaking down. Even if the Novices were sort of the only pleasant option, the girls had much more fun while talking with their actual friends than with anyone else they could've wasted time on.

Of course, their nice time couldn't last. Jesse had been strangely absent from the gathering for a good half hour and, unfortunately, had to return sometime. He strode right up to the group of four, looking to be in a somehow worse mood than he'd been when the party started.

"We're leaving," he declared, knowing they all came in the same vehicle.

"We need to wait for the convoy to go back to the hotel," Eddie informed him, knowing it wasn't wise to split up.

But Jesse was having none of it as he got in Eddie's face, grabbing his jacket tightly. "We go when I say so," he muttered angrily.

Then, he released Eddie and stormed off to leave. The four of them shared annoyed looks, and Lissa was the first to follow after him. After smoothing out the lapel of Eddie's jacket, Mischa went as well, the two Novices flanking her.

The car ride back to the hotel was pretty much silent. Between Jesse's horrible mood and the fact that the sun was up, meaning they were all a little sleepy, there wasn't much room for conversation. Lissa was in the back seat of the large SUV, sitting in between Eddie and Jesse. Mischa was in the front with Meredith and the Guardian driving them named Pierce on either side.

Given the silence, they all heard when a low snore escaped Eddie's mouth. Mischa whipped her head around and stifled a giggle when she saw Lissa asleep on his shoulder as he too nodded off.

"Eddie!" Meredith snapped playfully, knowing they couldn't fall asleep on the job. Eddie quickly snapped awake and smiled sheepishly at Mischa, though he didn't move so that Lissa could stay asleep. Mischa turned back to the front as they drove through a tunnel, wishing she'd gotten to take a picture of them sleeping before Meredith woke him up. Rose would've loved to have seen it.

Thoughts of cute photos were wiped from her mind when Pierce slammed on the brakes suddenly, causing everyone to be thrown forward and caught by their seatbelts as the tires screeched loudly, effectively waking Lissa up. Mischa peered through the windshield and saw a huge pile of rock blocking the road, meaning they'd have to leave the tunnel and take the long way back to the hotel.

The Guardians all got out to survey the scene, which they'd need to call in so that someone could clear it. Realizing that she could clear it, Mischa unbuckled and got out as well, along with Lissa. Jesse didn't care to get out.

"I wonder what made it fall in the middle of the tunnel," Mischa said, looking at the rubble. The walls of the tunnel seemed to be in good condition. "But I think I can move it—"

"Can we get on with it?" Jesse shouted impatiently from his rolled-down window.

Mischa rolled her eyes and looked back. "Shut up—"

The unfamiliar, jittery feeling took over Mischa's magic, which was screaming at her to be used. She didn't understand why until rocks began to fall from the entrance of the tunnel, blocking the only way to escape. Then two Strigoi dropped down from their place of hiding.

It was a trap.

"Get back in the car!" Meredith shouted as Mischa grabbed Lissa and they ran to the car.

"Now!" Eddie added, making sure to put himself in front of them as they moved.

The Strigoi men were fast, making it there only seconds after the sisters got in, huddling in the back fearfully with Jesse.

Mischa leaned close to the window, wanting to watch, but flinched back when she saw one of the Strigoi watching her hungrily. Before he could attack the car, Pierce grabbed him and threw him back. "Secure the perimeter!" he ordered while getting him back from the car.

"Other side!" Eddie yelled at Meredith, stopping the second one before it could make it to the car.

The Strigoi reached for the door of the car, but Meredith rushed at it and kicked him. He swung at her, knocking her back into the tunnel wall harshly.

"Meredith, no!" Lissa shouted, worried for her friend.

Mischa quickly moved to get out of the car, but Jesse grabbed her wrist tightly. "Let me go! I can help!"

In response, Jesse ripped off one of her gloves, showing the fresh wound on her hand. "You're a fool if you think a pair of gloves kept everyone from finding out about this. Don't risk your life for them, Dragomir," he said harshly.

Before Mischa could snap at him, Pierce was thrown against the back of the car while yelling at Eddie. "Call for backup!"

Then the Strigoi threw Pierce to the ground and grabbed his head. Though their backs were to the car and the windows were rolled all the way up, Mischa still screamed when she heard the muffled squelching that followed Pierce's head being brutally ripped from his body, sending blood everywhere.

"Oh, god," Mischa said, her eyes wide in horror.

"Fuck. Fuck," Jesse whimpered, picturing that happening to him.

"Stay calm," Lissa told them even though she wasn't calm either.

And none of them stayed calm when the one fighting Meredith threw her back and opened the car door, grabbing the nearest Moroi, who happened to be Jesse.

"No, Jesse!" Lissa shouted, trying to go after him. Mischa held her back, not allowing Lissa to go out there with the Strigoi and no real Guardian. "No, no! Jesse!"

Jesse was thrown to his knees, and Mischa could've sworn he bared his neck to the monster, welcoming the bite. But Mischa and Meredith had other plans. While Meredith ran at the Strigoi and jumped on its back, Mischa used her Air ability to throw Jesse far away from either Strigoi, ignoring how her hands burned horribly from the use. Though it was much weaker than her magic use typically was.

Meredith stabbed her Strigoi in the neck and then shoved him toward Eddie. The one that escaped Eddie made for the car and tried to open the door to get to the girls, but Meredith kicked the door shut.

"Stay back!" she shouted, punching him in the face.

But the Strigoi dodged her second hit and got his arms around her, pinning her to the car. Mischa surged forward and put her hands on the other side of the window. "No, no! Meredith!" Mischa's hands burned as she tried to use her magic, but the pain was too much, and the air barely moved around the pair outside of the car.

The Strigoi raised his clawed hands and slashed violently at Meredith's chest, making Mischa and Lissa scream for her. Even Eddie was losing his fight. But then something happened to give the Strigoi reason to pause.

A fleet of Guardians pulled up at the entrance of the tunnel, getting out of their cars and climbing over the rocks while shouting orders. Realizing that they were outnumbered — Mischa didn't even know Strigoi could think coherent enough thoughts to realize something like that — they fled, leaving Eddie and Meredith behind.

Lissa was the first out of the car, moving desperately to Meredith's side, who was barely keeping her eyes open. Mischa was a second behind her, her eyes watering as she watched Meredith take in shallow breaths.

"Meredith! Meredith, can you hear me?" Lissa asked frantically. The Guardians were shouting behind them, but they paid them no mind as Meredith didn't respond. Lissa shakily put her hands to Meredith's wounds, which began to glow as she started to heal her.

But then rough hands were pulling Lissa back, cutting off her Spirit use.

"Check the rear. Get the Royals out of here!" a Guardian shouted.

"No! No, no, no! No, no, please, wait!" Lissa shouted, trying to fight off the Guardian that was shoving her into the car. She couldn't let Meredith die. "Give me a second! Please! Please! Wait, no!"

Mischa watched Meredith with worried eyes as someone moved her into the SUV. Because, yes, it was Meredith that was on the ground, blood coming from her chest, but all Mischa saw was Mikhail.