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Rose fell on her knees expecting the worst. Instantly she was gone in Lissa's mind, but she felt something else. Joy?
Pure joy and warmth spread through her. She was hugging someone.
And then Rose saw him. Andre. He stood there in the flesh.
"Rose?" called Dimitri.
She snapped back to her body. For a brief second she was only aware of Dimitri holding her. But as much as she'd like for them to be the only ones in the universe, she noticed the other Guardians, surrounding them with concerned looks, including her mother.
"Rose, are you hurt?" Janine asked.
Rose shook her head and stood up bewildered, but grateful for Dimitri's hand still holding hers. She was afraid to believe it, afraid to feel the joy herself.
They didn't have time for disbelief.
"Andre." she spoke, "He's alive."
"Andre Dragomir?" asked Janine.
"Yes."
"That's impossible. Did you hit your head?"
"I saw him. I don't have time to explain."
"Rose is right." spoke Dimitri, "We need a plan. Where is he?"
"He's with Lissa, I can find her. We have to go, they aren't safe."
"This is insane." another Guardian said.
Janine wasn't convinced, but it was clear they had made up their mind, "Go, but you better know what you're doing."
The chaotic streets seemed endless as they ran guided by Rose's gut.
Rose spotted them. Three people hidden by capes, hurrying down the street. She didn't need to see a face to know the one under the red cape was Lissa.
"Lissa!" Rose shouted.
They stopped and turned around. Rose's eyes set on the one under the black cape. All her doubts disappeared as he gave her his charming smirk. It was real. Andre was alive.
Before she could run to them, the nausea hit her. She quickly recovered and gave Dimitri a warning look. Strigoi were coming.
With the stakes in their hands Rose and Dimitri examined the perimeter. Her eyes were almost deceived by someone under a blanket, but it was no Moroi. After reliving the car crash, Rose would recognize that face everywhere.
Lady Ozera stood no chance as Rose attacked. Her own anger mixed with the effects of Lissa using her powers filled her with pure rage. It wasn't enough to kill a powerful Strigoi, but adding a Russian god to the mix sure was.
They fought for a bit. The Strigoi landed a good hit on Rose, sending her down, but she managed to drag the blanket along with her, leaving her defenseless under the sun.
Hidden by clouds, the dim rays of sun weren't enough to kill her, but they slowed her down, giving Dimitri the perfect chance to restrain her as Rose jumped back up and pushed the stake into her heart.
The lifeless body fell on the ground. Rose didn't get to taste the victory as her eyes met Christian's. Wherever he came from he had been there to watch his mother die.
"I'm sorry." Rose said, she wasn't sorry for killing her, but she was sorry for him.
Christian shook his head, "Don't be, at least I didn't have to be the one to kill her too."
Lissa went by his side, dragging him away from the dead body.
"I wouldn't have minded killing her, but how can I get a chance with the best Guardian around?"
Rose flinched at the voice she hadn't heard in so long. She couldn't form a reply, she just jumped into his arms as they wrapped around her in a tight hug.
"How?" Rose asked after pulling away. She had so many questions.
"I'll explain everything later. Now-" Andre cleared his throat getting everyone's attention. "Change of plans. Lissa, Rose will take you and Mia out of the Dominion," he pointed at Dimitri, "You will come with me. We have to get to the council members before Tatiana, she's the one behind all of this and she plans on becoming the new queen by the end of the night."
Fucking Tatiana. Rose knew. She knew there were plenty of things wrong with her, but she hadn't seen that coming.
Rose glanced at Dimitri, I told you so , clear in her eyes, but the need to shout it out died as she saw his face, the hurt and regret in his eyes. If Tatiana's actions weren't a surprise to her, they sure were to him.
"Double change of plans." spoke Cristian, "I know how to get the wards back up, but it's possible only with Lissa's help."
Andre was ready to protest, but Lissa was quicker, "We have to try." Seeing his doubtful look, she squeezed his hand and added, "I trust him, I'll be fine."
"Alright, then you three go to the wards. Mia,, you'll be safer with us."
"No, I'll go with them." Mia declared.
If the situation wasn't so serious Rose would have burst into laughter at Andre's surprised face. Mia wasn't the same from before.
Neither was Andre.
The change in him might've not been so obvious to everyone, aside from his styled hair being grown and ruffled and a loss of weight, he acted in the same manner, already in charge with a smile on his face.
But the change was there. All in his eyes.
And it wasn't just the two of them, was it?
Dimitri came next to her, tugging a strand of her hair behind her ear, "Be careful."
"You too." Their faces were close, but she resisted the urge to kiss him. This wasn't a goodbye.
Yet it felt like it when they all looked at each other, nobody eager to split up. If only they could drag this moment a bit longer.
But they couldn't. They had a fight to win and they would all survive it.
They had to.
...
Their timing was good, almost too good.
Dimitri and Andre found the council members in distress over the Queen's death, but they hadn't been attacked. Something must've went wrong in Tatiana's plan.
Eyes full of emotions turned to them.
Shock.
Disbelief.
Fear.
Excitement.
Andre stepped forward and he talked.
Not like a victim who had been held hostage for months, but like a man who who had been trained to be king all his life. Like a savior of the Dominion.
The Moroi's faces were doubtful, hearing the strong accusations against Tatiana Vogel, but some became more trustful as Andre swore he would prove everything to them.
Dimitri's face remained stoic as he stood and listened, but inside he was falling apart. With every word, brick by brick, the walls built on order and duty, walls already shattered by Rose, crumbled on the ground, leaving him defenseless before the real world.
Dimitri had been so ready to serve Tatiana, no questions asked, even when Rose had asked for his help.
Her words echoed in his mind.
"This faith that you're holding on to with a death grip is supporting an unfair system that is never going to change, maybe you should be the one who does."
He had been such a fool and he hated himself for it.
"Queen Marina had once chosen me to be your King, now I ask you to trust her judgment and do the same. Together we can save this Dominion." Andre finished.
The council members exchanged glances and murmurs. Their trust had already been betrayed by Victor Dashkov, but only Lord Zeklos defended Tatiana.
So, one by one, they voted Andre to be King. The Dominion was in desperate need of a ruler and Dimitri could see how Tatiana's plan would have worked if she had gotten to them first.
Speaking of, a Strigoi burst through the window and attacked them. Dimitri jumped in, but the Strigoi had a clear aim in mind.
Andre directed the Moroi to step back and he was ready to jump in too, but the doors opened distracting everyone.
A bunch of Guardians lead by Commander Croft came inside followed by Tatiana.
The Strigoi stopped as if waiting for instructions, giving Dimitri the perfect chance to stake him.
The room seemed to be frozen for a moment, like a painting of a war scene. Whatever happened next would be crucial.
"Looks like we won't need to initiate a search." spoke Andre.
"Arrest the impostor." Tatiana said to the Guardians, pointing at Andre.
The Guardians were reluctant to move and Andre didn't waste any time. "I'm afraid you don't have enough jurisdiction to arrest the King." he held out the fresh signed documents.
Commander Croft reached for them as the council members affirmed their decision.
"Do what she says," continued Andre, "Arrest the impostor, arrest Tatiana Vogel for treason."
Whatever arrangement Commander Croft might've had with Tatiana he was still a Guardian, raised to follow the highest orders.
Surrounded by Guardians, Tatiana had no room to escape as she was dragged away to the dungeons.
One problem was solved, but Dimitri was more worried about what was going on outside. He glanced at the window. The sun had set and he could only pray Christian's plan would work and Rose would be okay.
He was going to find her and make sure of it.
...
The stake lit up under Rose and Lissa's hands. The process would have been thrilling if Rose didn't feel the energy being ripped out of them both.
The blinding light ceased and they fell against each other.
Rose gasped for air as she got up. She couldn't give in yet. "Mason!"
"Get her somewhere save." Rose said as he picked Lissa up.
"What about you?" he asked, hesitating.
"I'll be fine. Go!"
Mason listened and headed away as Rose threw the stake at Christian, "I'll cover you."
The wards weren't technically far, but with Strigoi attacking from every direction it felt miles long.
Then for a second all Rose saw was fire. She raised her eyes from the burning Strigoi she was fighting and looked around.
It worked.
The wards were back up and before she knew it she was hugging Christian. Then Meredith.
Everyone was joyful at first, but not all made it out alive or unharmed.
Rose focused on the ones closest to her. Mia and Meredith were hugging, her mother was helping a group of Guardians along with Sasha. Rose could tell Lissa was safe, so Mason must be too.
The only one left to worry about was Dimitri, hopefully she'd see him soon.
Searching for anyone who might need help, Rose spotted Christian kneeled next to someone whose face was hidden by a black hood.
"Rose, meet my aunt, Tasha." Christian said, wrapping his jacket around her waist where she was bleeding.
"Hi, it's nice to meet you," Rose said casually, scanning her body for other injuries. Their eyes met and Tasha smiled, "Likewise."
Being done wrapping, Christian intended to pick her up, but she was adamant she could walk, so he put one of his aunt's hands around his neck as he helped her sit up while Rose did the same with the other hand.
They crossed the disastrous streets in silence until a big screen lit up above them showing Andre making a public statement about everything that happened.
Their plan worked out. He was king.
Rose turned her head around, looking for her mother. Their relationship was fragile enough without her thinking Rose was crazy and she'd enjoy proving she had been right. But Janine was nowhere in sight which could mean the hurt Guardian they were carrying didn't make it.
It felt wrong to enjoy the victory when death was all around.
"So, what were you doing in the middle of the battlefield?" Rose asked Tasha, not only out of curiosity, but also to make sure Tasha stayed awake until they reached the infirmary, feeling her getting weaker.
"I couldn't sit around and wait for Strigoi to destroy our home." Tasha answered between heavy breaths.
"Yeah, I saw you kicking their asses. She taught me all I know." said Christian proudly and Rose could see where his recklessness was coming from.
"I'd like to see you in action. We could spar together after you recover." suggested Rose. She might've known Tasha for only a short while, but she definitely liked her.
It was rare to meet a Moroi, a royal one even, who didn't follow the system and was brave enough to jump into a fight. Besides, Rose had seen how useful magic could be against Strigoi, especially fire.
"Sounds like fun."
"Not sure how I feel about you two teaming up." commented Christian.
"More of a reason to do it." replied Tasha.
They came to a halt when Christian tripped over the feet of a dead body and almost made them fall.
Tasha snorted, "And he wanted to carry me."
"Hey, quit making fun of me, I'm a monk now."
Rose and Tasha laughed. "You just made it worse-" Rose stopped as Tasha's laugh turned into a cough and she yelped in pain.
"It's alright, we're almost there." Christian said.
"I'm good." It looked like they both wanted to reassure each other and Rose felt she was intruding especially as Tasha continued, "I'm proud of you. Not just tonight, the man you're becoming-" her voice was getting weaker and his eyes grew more concerned.
"Stay with me. We'll talk all about how great we are in the morning." As confident as he wanted to sound he couldn't stop his voice from trembling.
"Mhm." It was all Tasha could mutter.
When they reached the infirmary Tasha was barely conscious, but they quickly found Dr. Olendzki who took Tasha in a surgery room.
Christian didn't move. He watched the closed door with lost and teary eyes.
"She's strong, she'll make it." Rose said.
"She is, and she's the only family I have left." His words surprised him too. He always had had a hard time accepting his parents weren't the same, but now they were gone for good. It had been just hours ago when his mom died.
So, for the second time that night, Rose was hugging Christian Ozera.
...
The white corridor where Rose and Christian were leaning against a wall appeared frozen in time.
No sound.
No movement.
But time was still passing.
Rose was certain of it for one reason, the greatest proof of being alive. Pain.
She was exhausted.
The moment the adrenaline wore out she started feeling the effects of the last 24 hours.
She blamed the Strigoi for how she felt on the outside, every bruise was hurting and every muscle was aching. And for the inside, well she couldn't say she blamed Lissa, but the spirit magic sure left a mark on her.
The door opened and Dr. Olendzki stepped out.
Christian quickly stood up, but Rose had no power to detach from the wall.
"She'll make a full recovery, you can see her for a bit, but she's sleeping now." The doctor regarded Rose with a serious look, "I recommend you do the same."
"She's right," Christian said, "You should get some rest. There are plenty of rooms here."
Rose scoffed, "I'm fine." she reluctantly removed herself from the wall, that should be enough to prove it. "I can find my way to a better place."
"Alright, thanks for sticking around."
"Yeah, of course." she gave him a small smile which he returned, before disappearing into the room.
Rose left the infirmary and moved more out of inertia in the direction Lissa was. She didn't feel like going to the novice dorms, longing for the comfort of the room she used to share with Lissa more than ever.
But for now she only wanted to get out of those streets sprinkled with dead bodies and debris. At least she wasn't alone, but she paid no attention to the people moving around. Instead she stopped in front of a dead Strigoi whose golden watch shone in the moonlight.
She couldn't help but think of Mikhail. It wasn't the image of him as a Strigoi that came to her mind, but a memory of them dragging a Strigoi body together.
In another life they would have fought alongside tonight and now he could've had his pick at dead bodies.
Her eyes moved to the next body and she held out a breath. It was a young Moroi girl. Rose had seen her at the Academy, but no name came to her mind.
She couldn't look anymore. Raising her eyes up she froze when they were met with a pair of ice blue eyes that belonged to the same dead girl. Rose gazed from the body still on the ground to the pale silhouette standing above it.
Rose had never believed in ghosts, but it wasn't the first time she was seeing things. After learning about her death she became more skeptical since it looked like ghosts really wanted her to believe in them.
The dead girl just started. Her pale face was sad and a bit intrigued. Her mouth moved, but no sound came out.
Incapable of moving, Rose stared back.
To the other people it must look like she was having a staring contest with the air.
The other people. She wasn't alone.
Rose looked around. Maybe somebody else was seeing this too.
Her relief was short-lived. Her eyes traveled across the figures in the street, sending a chill down her spine. She knew.
She was the only one alive.
The ghosts seemed to notice that too, coming closer and making her head pound and her heart beat faster and faster.
She squeezed her eyes shut, "Go away."
The ghosts shouldn't be able to make sounds, but she swore she heard steps. She was going to count to three and when she'd open her eyes they would be gone.
One.
Two.
Three.
Rose opened her eyes and flinched. The streets were empty except for one person.
Dimitri.
Her heart skipped a bit. Was he a ghost too?
No. He couldn't be dead.
They ran to each other, but Rose didn't stop, not until she had her arms wrapped tightly around him. She needed to feel him.
"Oh, Roza." his relieved voice as his arms came around her were enough to prove he was real, alive.
Surely Rose broke her record of hugs today, but this one beat them all. In spite of her bruises, the bone-crushing hug didn't hurt, but it gave her such a sense of safety that she could finally let her guard down.
She loosened her hold of him, not to pull away, but to slump against him.
Dimitri loosened his grip too. The hand pressing her head moved to stroke her hair, as the other one gently rubbed her back.
They stayed like that for a while.
Rose knew she could fall asleep right there and she would still be safe, but she'd rather not, so she slowly pulled away.
Dimitri's eyes scanned her body, growing concerned. "Are you hurt?"
It took her a second to remember her clothes were stained with blood. It was more visible without the Guardian black uniform which had its perks after all.
"I'm fine. It's not my blood. My clothes are ruined though."
"We can take care of that, let's get you home."
That sounded good, but she had other concerns too. "Wait, shouldn't you be with Lissa?"
"Don't worry, she's well guarded.”
"Still, there must be plenty of Moroi who could use your protection."
"And you suddenly care about them?"
"You do." Rose pointed out.
"I care more about you. Tonight I'm your Guardian." His words warmed her heart and she smiled placing her arms on his shoulders, "I guess I'm in your hands then."
His lips curled in a sly smile, "I should warn you, though, I'm a fugitive convicted for treason."
"That makes it hotter." she whispered.
Their lips came together into a soft and passionate kiss and for a moment the apocalyptic streets were the most romantic place in the world.
They set to walking and shortly they reached the Guardian Residences.
Rose turned to Dimitri with a questioning look. She didn't pay attention to where they were going, but she believed they were headed to the Academy.
"It was closest and I figured you'd like a quieter place, but we can-"
"You thought well, lead the way."
Once inside, Rose wanted to sink in that bed, but she felt too dirty.
"I'll go shower." she said.
"I'll get you some clean clothes."
When Rose returned, dressed in his clothes, he watched her with a fond smile.
"How do I look?" The long sweatpants were dragging on the floor, matching the long sleeves of the gray sweatshirt, but she didn't mind it. The clothes were soft and they carried his smell.
"Beautiful." It wasn't the compliment, but the way he said it, like he couldn't mean it more, that made her blush.
"Then you won't get them back."
"Certainly." Dimitri disappeared in the bathroom as Rose sank in bed.
She noticed a book on the nightstand and picked it up, flipping through its pages aimlessly.
It didn't take long for Dimitri to return. He came at her side and snatched the book. "Go to sleep, Rose. I'll watch over you."
He pulled a blanket over her and she grabbed his wrist, "You need to sleep too."
He wanted to protest, but she didn't let go, "At least lay next to me."
"Alright." he turned off the light, leaving a candle on, then he laid next to Rose.
She couldn't help, but stare at him, taking in every detail. It was the first time they slept in a bed together, nothing like she imagined. Yet, she was content. After everything that happened they found each other. They were together.
Her only complaint would be with the small space between them, she longed to get closer.
Their eyes met.
Either her intentions weren't so subtle or he had the same thoughts. He shifted closer, raising a hand to make space for her.
"Come here."
Quickly she snuggled closer, resting her head on his shoulder and placing a hand on his chest.
"Comfortable?" Dimitri asked, adjusting the covers back on her.
"Very."
"Good." He dropped a kiss on top of her head.
"Goodnight, Comrade."
"Goodnight, Roza."