"Privet mem," I greeted her nervously.

Galina lifted her head from the book she was reading. She gave me one pointed look which made my blood curdle.

Her bloodless handsome face studied me from top to toe. She shifted on her ornately carved sofa and crossed her legs.

I was looking at her gorgeous dress. It was heavily embroidered and beset with gleaming  stones. Ornaments of pure gold covered every visible portion of her body. That along with her queenly grace would have made me admire her if not for the fact that her fiery red eyes glared at me. They were cruel and ruthless. Devoid of any emotion.

I remembered my teacher, someone I had revered as a Goddess all my life, my mentor, the one to shape my life was now someone evil and cruel, someone who has no compassion in her.

She had been turned in a battle at Prague. I felt pity for myself. I was now a part of this doomed existence.

"Privet, Belikov. Nice to see you after so long. You haven't changed in appearance. The same badass God eh?" She gave me one of her tight lipped smiles, one of which I would have died for earlier. Her appreciations were so rare that we worked hard to earn them.

"You were always my favourite student Dimitri. You always made me proud, " said Galina.

"Where did you find him? In the US?" This one was directed to Nathan.

He came forward with a victorious smile and replied, "Ma'am, I awakened him."

Obviously he had done a commendable job, adding a trained Gaurdian to their group. I hated them.

Galina looked impressed. She then looked at me." You are strong Dimka. We need someone like you to complete our goal. Will you be loyal to me?" She was obviously waiting for my reply.

Where would I go? I had to stay here.

"Yes," I said.

Galina gave  an almost affectionate look at me. She got up and placed the book she was reading, back on the magnificent sandalwood rack by the fireplace.

Everything in this mansion was extravagant. Chandeliers, furnitures, paintings and statues, all were of the same richness. It signified prosperity. One thing was sure that I could lead a lavish life if I stayed here. Away from all signs of civilisation.

I would be happy here for eternity. Would I?

"Come on Dimitri, We need to get you clean dresses." She clapped her hands.

Immediately a little woman with a thin face and sharp features appeared, her head bowed. Submissive and weak.

"Inna, show him his room. And yes bring clean clothes for him, Don't forget a duster, " Galina smiled at me.

She knew my preferences. A missing duster was really a crisis for me. And mine was already dirty with mud from the cave.

Looking at myself I suddenly realised how shabby my torn dresses and coating of dust on me was looking before a group of well dressed, polished and elite Strigoi.

Inna just nodded and stole a quick glance at Nathan who surprisingly smiled back. Then she left the room. I was not sure what I had just witnessed. How was it possible?

"Nathan, bring Dimitri to the meeting room after he changes and freshens up. I need to discuss some things with him," Galina looked at me," I hope you will be loyal to me. You are my second in command Belikov. Help me with our mission."

What mission?

I was confused.

I looked at Nathan for an explanation. His eyes shot daggers at me.

I had just been promoted to a higher rank than him. Oh God! I had just made an enemy of the worst kind.

"Spasibo!" I whispered to Galina.

She waived me off and left the room with her train of followers.

Nathan was the only one who stayed. He came to stand face to face with me his eyes burning with anger.

"Very good, Belikov. I will watch you all the while. If you dare betray her or us. I want to be the one to finish you off."

I met is gaze unflinchingly and replied with a dry smile which scared even me, " I was turned against my will by you. Now suffer the consequences of your action. And don't dare cross my path any time. She was my instructor and I am like her own son. Any false move and out you go."

I flipped back the hair from my face and strode off holding my head high.

I was a close aide of a Strigoi now. Great! I didn't know what to do with myself.

One thing was for sure that I could never turn back. I had already walked down the path and entangled myself with a world I never knew.

And I honestly wanted to know more about this world...I was changing for good.