Dimitri's Point of View in Vampire Academy (VA fans) (Book 1)

Part 10

Chapter 10:

The next day went more smoothly, although I couldn't help but eavesdrop on lingering student's conversations. They all seemed to be talking about the same thing: the Queens visit last night. I let out a breath that I didn't realize I had been holding. They didn't know anything about the rabbit and I was grateful for that.

Throughout all my classes I had to fight against my will not to glance at Rose, or even near her direction. Which considering her stunning looks and personality, was really hard to do. But alas I made it through the day, reluctantly I walked towards the gym, ready to start our session.

I was surprised when I had found Rose walking just a few feet ahead of me. Taking a quick glance at her face told me she was sad and upset. But I shrugged, remembering the day when I had laid on top of her. I definitely didn't want that to happen again.

But that still didn't stop my concern for her; I had never seen her like this. Rose, the one who made others cry, the tough skin girl who didn't take no for an answer. My curiosity grew as the session neared to an end. Looking at her, I could tell that whatever had upset her was preventing her from focusing, so I let her leave early, claiming that I had "guardian things to do".

As I was walking towards the main building I passed a group of teenagers huddling and whispering loud enough for me to hear. Normally I would have walked on but something in their tone had caught my attention. I slowed my pace, stretching my ears to hear more. "...with both Ralf and Jesse."

My ears perked up at the sound of Jesse's name. I didn't hate the kid, but he had made me furious that night when I found him on top of Rose. That had intensified when I discovered she had been half naked. How dare he take advantage of a dhampir girl.

I slowed my pace even more, curious what they were talking about. "Did she really?" The other girl exclaimed her voice high pitched and full of shock.

"Yeah, and he said that she also..." The girl paused for so long I thought she had sensed me listening. I picked up my pace, and then she continued. "Let them drink her blood."

I stopped dead in my tracks, I knew Rose. She would never do that, she may seem like the type with her reputation and all, but I knew her better than that.

Then it all clicked, Rose had been upset because of the rumors. My heart sank into my stomach from not realizing it earlier, and not having the nerve to ask her what was wrong. If I had only talked to her maybe I could do something about it, but instead, I let my feelings get in the way of what it truly means to be a mentor.

Turning around I stalked towards the dhampir dorms, ready to go talk to her.

I was halfway there when I almost ran into a small Moroi girl. Righting myself I looked down, turning my guardian face on, but stopped dead in my tracks when I recognized the pale blond hair and jade green eyes. "Lissa?"

She staggered back. "Hi, Guardian Belikov. I uh... I need to speak with Rose. And I can't get in..." She trailed off, knowing I could finish the rest. They would never let her in the dhampir dorm. Not for her sake but for Rose's, the school thought of Rose as being a fugitive which irritated me greatly.

I nodded. "Of course princess. Can you tell me why?"

She looked down at her flats. Her eyes flashed with anger, something I never knew her to be capable of. But it was there, and it scared me. Her eyes flicked back up to mine and her anger hit me like a wave. "You didn't see her face today... I think I should talk to her, she needs it."

"Alright, come with me, but quickly."

She was obedient as she followed me to the back of the novice's dorm. Fishing out my keys I opened the door that led to a set of boring metal stairs. I let her in after me because it was too hard to ignore my ongoing instincts. We were taught at a very young age that the leader and the strongest one always go ahead of the group. I knew nothing could possibly harm her but couldn't seem to tell my body that.

I left her at the top of the stairs after telling her to stay put. I knew I didn't have to worry about Lissa wandering off, she wasn't like Rose, and she did as she was told.

I walked down the familiar hallway, luckily the stairs opened up to the same hallway Rose lived on. I knew exactly where Rose's dorm was. And as I stood in front of its door I heard a faint sniffle and considered coming back later, but dismissed the thought when I glanced down the hall and saw Lissa staring at me, determined that I do this for her. Sighing I knocked on the door.

The sniffling came to a stop and I could hear her getting up off the bed, the springs groaned protests as her feet padded my way. I took a step back.

When she opened the door I took in her face. And my heart broke. Her eyes were swollen and ringed with red. The light glistened off her cheeks showing that she had done a good deal of shedding tears. Right then and there I wanted to pull her into my arms and tell her that everything was okay, but once again I found myself scorning at the thought. I had to stop thinking that way.

"Are you okay?" I said trying to control my aching chest from convincing me to pull her into my arms.

"It doesn't matter if I am, remember?" She looked up at me, a dangerous glint in her eye. "Is Lissa okay? This'll be hard on her."

I looked at her surprised. Unbelievable. No matter how much Rose had gotten hurt she still made room for her concern for Lissa. Like a true guardian.

I beckoned for her to follow me as I led her to the back stairwell where Lissa was waiting. "Five minutes." I opened the cracked door for Rose and watched her as she curiously padded into the small staircase. I let the door close lightly and turned to face the hall. Keeping an eye out for anyone who happened to walk down the long hallway, despite how late it was.

I could hear the muffles of their conversation as I scanned the area. As time passed I checked my watch, knowing I had allowed them more time than I had attended, but Rose's face had concerned me. She was the last person I would have guessed to cry.

Rose was strong, stronger than all of the guardians I had met. She was the one novice who had potential and skills at her age. She was going to do major damage when she graduated.

Sighing I poked my head through the door. "You've got to get back inside, Rose, before someone finds you."

Rose took a step in my direction before turning to look at Lissa, who was already retreating down the stairs. "I'll take care of everything this time, Rose. Everything."

I let Rose go after that, wondering what the hell the two girls were up to now, and knew that it couldn't be good. As I walked back to my dorm I couldn't help but wondering if World War Three might happen tomorrow because I had given them the chance to talk.

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