Natasha pov

It had been only a few hours since Aries arrived, and already I could feel a shift in the air around me. There was a palpable tension, a sense of anticipation and determination emanating from her. Her presence was a stark reminder of the perilous reality I lived in, a reality I had tried to keep at bay through layers of denial and forced normalcy. But now, with Aries here, I could no longer ignore it. My safety was paramount, Alexei had said, but what did safety even mean in a world where danger lurked around every corner?

I watched Aries as she inspected every nook and cranny of my suite, her sharp eyes missing nothing. She moved with a fluid grace, a testament to her rigorous training and disciplined nature. Her silence was both comforting and unsettling; comforting because it meant she wouldn't intrude on my thoughts with idle chatter, and unsettling because it forced me to confront my own swirling emotions.

"Let's get started on Vampire 101," I said with a smile, trying to break the ice. She nodded, her expression serious.

I handed her the first book from the stack, a comprehensive guide on Moroi society and its intricacies. "This will give you an overview of our customs, our way of life, and our political structure. It's crucial you understand the dynamics at play."

She took the book, her eyes scanning the cover before she set it aside and signed, "Tell me in your words. What should I know first?"

I appreciated her directness. It showed she was not just here to follow orders but to truly understand the task at hand. "Alright," I began, taking a seat across from him. "The Moroi are a peaceful race of vampires who live in harmony with nature. We possess elemental magic, with each Moroi specializing in one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water and a special element that has been recently discovered which is called spirit. I, for instance, specialize in spirit."

What is spirit? Aries signed

"Spirit is a fifth element that is rare among the Moroi, with the signature trait of restoring life and healing others nearly instantaneously. Spirit heightens compulsion, making it easier to work. Other powers that come with spirit include aura sensory, dream walking, creating illusions, telekinesis, and mind-reading." I said as Aries looked at me for a long time before she started talking with her fingers

"Is that how I am still alive? Because of you?" She signed

Yes. Alexei had been watching for months and had found you on the brink of death and I used my magic to heal you much against his wishes but I didn't care you didn't deserve to die. I said as Aries looked at me with an eyebrow raised at the part where Alexei didn't want me to do it

I knew she wanted an explanation but I wasn't gonna give it to her at least not yet

"However," I continued ignoring her silent question which Aries didn't appreciate but made no aim to voice it or should I say sign it, "our peaceful existence is constantly threatened by the Strigoi, immortal vampires who are created either by force or choice. They are vicious and soulless, driven by a need for blood and violence. Protecting the Moroi from the Strigoi is the duty of the Dhampirs, our guardians. They are half-human, half-Moroi, and possess the strength and agility needed to fight the Strigoi."

Aries nodded, absorbing the information. "And your enemies? Why are they after you?"

I sighed, the weight of my situation pressing down on me. "My family was one of the 12 royal families. We held significant power and influence, which made us a target. 10 months ago, my parents and older sister were murdered by strigoi who was sent by someone we aren't sure who it is yet. I am the last of my line, and my enemies want to ensure that my family is completely eradicated."

"You said that you have dhampirs that are guardians for moroi. Why didn't they get them to be your guardian? I mean it would have made more sense since they are trained to handle strigoi." Aries signed

I did had dhampir guards for a while that is until they failed to. The first guardian I had was a newly graduate who never paid a bit of attention on school and nearly got me killed on his first day when a strigoi tried to attack which could have been avoided if had done his job, my next guardian tried to kill the first night apparently he worked for the people that wants me dead and Gone. You see where I'm going with this right?" I said as she nodded

All the guardians you've had were either moles or incomplete bastards Aries said bluntly

Pretty much. So that's why Alexei started looking into guardians that weren't part of our vampire world. He soon found out about you and was quite impressed by your track record. And he also thought because you lost your parents at such young age you would do me some good. I said as Aries looked at me before glancing back at my unpacked boxes in the corner

She signed, "Why haven't you unpacked yet? It looks like you've been here for a while."

I hesitated, unsure how to explain the gnawing uncertainty that had kept me from settling in. "I guess... part of me hasn't accepted that this is my life now. That I'm confined to these walls, constantly watched and protected. Unpacking feels too permanent, like admitting that my previous life is truly over."

Aries's expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of empathy in her eyes. "I understand," she signed. "But this is your reality now, and you need to be prepared. If you want to survive, you need to embrace it fully."

Her words, though blunt, held a truth I couldn't ignore. I nodded, a silent agreement to her unspoken challenge.

"Let's move on to the different types of magic Moroi can wield," I said, changing the subject. "Each element has its strengths and weaknesses. Fire, for instance, is powerful and destructive, but it requires a lot of control. Water is versatile and can be used for healing as well as offense."

"And what's about spirit?" She signed as I looked away before I careful chose my words

We aren't very sure since spirit magic is so rare. I said simply

I knew Aries didn't believe a word of what I said and in all honesty i wouldn't have believed me either but i was thankful that she didn't press the issue

We spent the next few hours delving into the complexities of Moroi magic, the history of our society, and the current political climate. Aries was a quick learner, asking insightful questions and drawing connections that I hadn't even considered.

As the evening wore on, I found myself opening up to her more, sharing not just facts but personal anecdotes and memories. I told her about my childhood, about the pressure of being the youngest in a powerful family, and the constant threat that had hung over us like a dark cloud.

She listened patiently, her expression thoughtful. When I paused, she signed, "What about friends? Allies? Who can we trust?"

"Trust is a rare commodity in our world," I admitted. "But there are a few we can rely on. My best friend, Lissa, is also a Moroi and one of the 12 royal families. She's currently away, undergoing her own training, but she's someone I trust with my life. And then there's Christian, a fire user who, despite his rebellious nature, has proven himself to be loyal and brave. And then there's rose Hathaway she's a novice training to be a guardian so she can protect her best friend Lissa.

Aries nodded, absorbing the information. "Good. We'll need allies. And what about Alexei? What's his role?"

"Alexei is my mentor and advisor. He was a close friend of my parents and has taken it upon himself to ensure my safety. He's trustworthy, but he's also very strict. He believes in tough love, and sometimes it's hard to tell if he genuinely cares or if he's just fulfilling an obligation."

Aries signed, "We'll figure it out. For now, focus on your training and let me handle the security. We'll need to be vigilant and prepared for anything."

I felt a sense of relief washing over me. For the first time in months, I didn't feel entirely alone. Aries's presence, her competence, and his determination gave me hope.

As we concluded our session, I realized that Aries wasn't just a guardian; she was a lifeline. And together, we would face whatever dangers awaited us.

I just hope when she finds out the whole truth she won't be angry with me and leave.