Besides, I Could Hardly Complain To The

Is He... Is Dimitri A Strigoi?" Mason Hesitated Only A Moment, Like He Was Afraid To Answer Me, And Then—he Nodded. My Heart Shattered. My World Shattered.

You Are An Exceptional, Talented, And Brilliant Young Woman. Do Not Ever Let Anyone Make You Feel Like You’re Less. Do Not Ever Let Anyone Make You Feel Invisible. Do Not Let Anyone—not Even A Teacher Who Constantly Sends You For Coffee—push You Around.

Oh God," I Said. "i'm Zmey's Daughter. Zmey Junior. Zmeyette, Even.

Life And Death Were So Unpredictable. So Close To Each Other. We Existed Moment To Moment, Never Knowing Who Would Be The Next To Leave The World. I Was Still In It, Barely, And As I Looked Up From The Ashes, Everything Around Me Seemed So Sweet And So Beautiful. The Trees. The Stars. The Moon. I Was Alive -- And I Was Glad I Was.

Even When I Was Dizzy With Vodka, That Smile Never Failed To Make My Heart Speed Up.