“You’re back,” she said, almost jumping on me, only to engulf me in a huge hug.

I held her briefly and then stepped back, pleased “Yes.” but I had more pressing business to attend. “Have you made your decision?”

“I have more questions.” she mumbled and went over to the bed and lay down in a casual way, just like we always did. I followed a few moments later and sat on the edge, looking down at her. The AMA session was beggining to tire me out now. Surely she needed more answers but how hard it is to understand that we have time constraints?

“How long will it take?” she asked. “When you awaken me? Is it instantaneous?”

"No. It takes some minutes to let the blood that the Strigoi feed you, to circulate in your entire system. That blood has magic, but yiur body isn't magic. Once it spreads and strengthens every inch of your systems to steel, then you awaken!"

"And will I feel pain during those few minutes?"

"It'll be like burning alive," I say honestly "but it's worth it to ensure that pain for a lifetime of eternity."

"Will I remember all my skills?"

"Every single thing. Being Strigoi doesn't wipe your memory, Roza!" I sigh. I was beyond the point of exasperation now.

She was becoming more and more agitated with each passing moment. I could feel a bubbling tension within her. It was a scent of fear mixed with something else — enthusiasm? Zeal?

I stretched out beside her.

“Rose,” I interrupted, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were stalling for time.” I'm not a fool... I can see through my girl like clear glass.

She seemed outraged. “Of course I am! This is a big deal. I came here to kill you, and now you’re asking me to join you. You think this is easy for me to do?”

“Do you think it’s been easy for me to wait this long?” I asked, my voice rising an octave. “The only ones who get choices are Moroi who willingly kill, like the Ozeras. No one else gets a choice. I didn’t get a choice.”

“And don’t you regret that?”

“No, not now. Now that I’m who I was meant to be.” He frowned. “The only thing hurt is my pride—that Nathan forced me and that he acts as though I’m indebted to him. Which is why I’m being kind enough to give you the choice now, for the sake of your pride.” I explained. I had never thought about it before. Why I was giving her the choice. Now that I said it, I know.

Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. I could smell her intoxicating earthly scent, “You’re sweating,” I said. “Why?”

“Because I’m scared,” she whispered as she propped herself up and stroked the edge of my face, looking intently, as if trying to memorize all of my features. Did she really think she wouldn't remember me or that I'd be “I . . . I think I’m ready, but it’s . . . I don’t know. It’s such a big thing.”

“It’ll be the best decision of your life, Roza.”
Believe me!

“Tell me again. One more time. Why do you want to awaken me so badly?” I was tired of this question honestly... What is it that she wanted to hear?

“Because I want you. I’ve always wanted you.”

She smiled at me and leaning down, kissed me. This was odd. But I responded as usual.

Sudden a severing pain shot through my chest. What did she do? It felt like my heart was being cleaved apart at the point of a knife. And it all went black before my eyes.

——————

I stirred. Stirred like a little sapling growing out of the soil. My body felt heavy. My eyelids were steel. I struggled to move. Something was on my chest. Something was, piercing me. My hands moved sluggishly to feel the object. It was wood!

"Aagggh!" I screamed as I pulled it out with my strength and my hands feel to my sides as I panted in exhaustion. I could hear the gurgling of blood and the slight twinge of magic roared through my chest, healing me, strengthening me. I rolled over and sat up.

Where was I? In Rose's room. The world whirled for a second before I stood up, the black essence of immortal magic working through my system. My vision cleared and I felt as good as new.

I picked up the wood! A splinter out of a broken chair? Damn! I'd forgotten how smart Rose is — drugged or not. But did she really think that wood could kill me? I had trained her thoroughly. She probably wanted to impale me and buy out time for her.

How long was I passed out? Would Rose have escaped by now? But the mansion is full of Strigoi. What if she gets captured? They'll kill her. I don't have any regrets if she escapes but her dead? I would do everything to prevent that. She just couldn't spoil all the careful plans I made for days.

I lunged at the door and punched in the code to find Marlen trapped between the two doors, hammering on the outer. Stupid fool! Rise was way cleverer. Did I feel a slight swell of pride, that I had trained her?

Well I did.

I punched open the door in one swift blow, my fury channelling through my hand. I had to find Rose.