Dimitri's Point of View in Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy) (Book 3)

Part 22

Dedicated to YOU...

I want to apologize for not updating DPOV in 6 YEARS... How has it already been that long? I am so so sorry for leaving you guys in the dark for so long. For those of you who have been with me since the beginning, I am deeply sorry for leaving you guys like that.

As I have said to several people who asked if I had "given up": No. I have not. I was dealing with a lot in my life at the time and had lost my passion for writing... I felt it wrong to continue writing DPOV in that state of mind. It wouldn't be the same and this series deserves so much more than what it would have been had I continued writing in that state of mind.

I love every single one of you, and can't thank you enough from the bottom of my heart for staying dedicated and being patient for so long! I am here to officially say that your long  wait is over and I hope you enjoy this (well overdue) next chapter to Dimitri's POV. 

This one is dedicated to every single one of you who have supported me in my absence, I see you. I've been reading your encouraging comments all these years (in silence) and it is what kept me from deleting this app all together. You kept me encouraged to continue writing after being lost for so long. I couldn't have done this without you. So with further ado, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It is, after all, for YOU. <3

Part 22:

After that, the next week or so played out in a repetitive pattern. Rose continued doing her field experience and counseling sessions with little argument. In between she trained with me. And during those times, I couldn't keep the concern I felt for her hidden.

I could tell she was flattered but at the same time, I could read the annoyance deep in her gaze when I started asking how she was doing. I couldn't help it, the memory of her panic screaming that consumed her on the plane still haunted my dreams at night. And the only way I could get some peace at night was knowing how she was doing.

Most of our conversations ended at my repetitive question, but I never pushed her further. I was afraid she might break down and never recover the same. I could see the foundations cracking inside of her with each passing day and I wanted to be the glue that kept her together. If only I knew how...

So this past week has mostly consisted of physical training, something I knew she liked more than the alternative.

The past week of the field experience was in full swing. The tests grew more intricate and difficult, and everyone had to stay on their toes. All except Rose, of course. After my lengthy conversation (turned argument) with Alberta about not reducing Rose's experience in the field, the votes from the other guardians over-ruled mine. She was to continue with the field experience but Guardians were to make sure that none of the attacks upon other students were to happen around her. Lest it might set her off.

Which, I knew, she must have noticed by now and was probably seething with anger and humiliation inside. 

I was currently sitting in on another session of reports from the field experience. And again, like every time before, Rose's predicament came up. Whether or not they should risk pulling her out of the field experience all together or if they could get away with not attacking her at all and still pass her off as a Guardian.

I carefully watched the others and they continued to discuss what the next step in action was. I could feel my blood boil the longer I sat there and listened to them discuss Rose's future.

My Roza.

I abruptly stood up, all eyes turned to me and I blurted out, "How is this in any way fair for the student?" Those eyes narrowed slightly in unison. "How do you expect her to do well in the real world if you 'baby' her? How is she supposed to train for real threats if you're not willing to let her face them?"