I could smell something in that cave. A smell so intense that it overwhelmed me. I felt a desire to rush towards the source and satisfy some desire for which I had no explanation. My throat seemed parched. I needed something to drink and I had a sinister feeling that it was not water that would quench this insane thirst. It was life-blood. I was a monster. The building up bloodlust was making me lose my head. But I was determined. I couldn't bear to have this cursed life for eternity.  I would rather starve myself to death. But my desires were overpowering. I was losing control of myself. I needed to drink. What was I thinking? I hated myself for even bringing such thoughts.

"Nathan, it's going to be daybreak soon. We have to get out of here. They could be here any moment,"  a gruff cold voice commented . I had stopped speaking altogether. I was afraid to hear my own voice. It somehow made this nightmare real! Oh Roza! Where are you? I would never be able to touch you and hold you again. Never run my hand through your lovely hair and gaze into your deep, dark eyes. Oh why was fate so cruel?

"Dimitri we have to get going before dawn."

I stared at Nathan. Before dawn? But it was daylight outside? So bright and won't we burn if we go out? I hated him with every fibre of my existence. I had kept quiet the entire time though they had tried to converse with me.

I exclaimed, "But it's day outside!" My voice was met with odd stares. Nathan smiled his crooked smile, "The night looks like day for us Belikov, we have increased perceptions than all others. All senses are so clear. We are God. We are the supreme. And yes you have to get used to the fact that you are one of us too. A part of that strength and inhuman power. And we will finish off all the Moroi and rule."

"But I don't want to leave this place. This is my home," I demanded indignantly. Nathan shrugged. Then making his face like explaining something to a stubborn baby, he said, "Belikov, the guardians will be here any moment. They will come to take back the deceased, " he said pointing towards the pile of bodies around us. Guardians and Moroi lay lifeless around us, their neck snapped, cold, lifeless and mutilated. I flinched at the sight. They were the reminders of the gory battle that took place a few hours ago. The battle  that  snatched the love of my life forever  from me. "And," he continued, the mocking smile playing on his lips, "Besides I think that Hathaway girl will come to find you too. Do you want to confront her?"

My heart missed a beat. Rose will come to find me for sure. I couldn't bear to see her again Not after I have been awakened. I could picture the hate, loathing and dilemma on her face. It broke my heart to think of her disappointment when she realised what became of me. I imagined the hurt in her chocolate eyes. I couldn't think anymore. I had to go far away. So far that no one could find me. Far from family, friends and acquaintances. Far from civilisation where I will hurt no one...

But could I keep my promise? Suddenly the thirst which I had pushed to the back of my mind started overpowering me. My throat was burning. I clutched my throat digging my nails into my skin. As if it could stop the fire. Trying to ignore my base instincts to kill and drink, I asked Nathan,"But where shall we go?"

"Russia," came the answer. Immediately my mind went back to a little village with picturesque scenery, small farmhouses and lot's of love and fun...Baia...my hometown. I remembered the face of my mother and her loving, caring embrace, my sisters, my home, a world of comfort. The world  I shall never see again in this life.If there was any afterlife or heaven for me! A cursed and painful existence of loathing and hate was waiting ahead of me. But first of all I had to get away from Rose. I steeled my heart.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"Galina' s estate near Novosibirsk. We all work under her and so can you if you want to rise in power and position," replied one of the others.

I didn't reply...