I Nodded. "yup. What I Did Was

Eerily, The Coronation Was Kind Of A Reverse Of Tatianaʹs Funeral. What Was The Old Saying? The Queen Is Dead. Long Live The Queen

Rose!" I Looked To My Right And Saw Adrian Cutting Across The Lawn Toward Me, Oblivious To The Slush's Effects On His Designer Shoes. "did You Just Call Me 'rose'?" I Asked. "and Not 'little Dhampir'? I Don't Think That's Ever Happened." "it Happens All The Time," He Countered, Catching Up To Me.

While I'm Fine With You Two Dating And Being Happy, Please Try Not To Break His Heart Too Much When The Time Comes.

No,''he Said.''i Was A Strigoi. I Was One Of Them. I Did...terrible Things.'' The Words Were Mild, But The Tone Of His Voice Spoke Legions. The Radiant Faces Of His Family Turned Sober.''i Was Lost. Beyond Hope. Except...rose Believed In Me. Rose Never Gave Up.

A Strange, Warm Feeling Swirled In My Chest, And For A Brief Moment, When I Looked At Him, I Saw...safety