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Chapter Seventeen
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Hopeless Warriors Chapter Eighteen
DPOVSongs: Up Against The Wall by Peter Bjorn and John, Wolf by First Aid Kit, Angel by Massive AttackThe next couple of weeks flew by. Since Rose and I were now conducting regular training sessions with some of the other Dragomir Guardians, I had constructed a schedule alternating mornings and nights so we wouldn't get too burned out; although, the early sessions were admittedly my favorite. We often used that time to take advantage of the lingering sunlight and ran through the Emerald woods. Those runs were some of the most peaceful moments I had ever experienced.I had fallen into an easy rhythm with Rose. Most days our relationship was nothing but professional, but every once in a while we would indulge in friendly conversation and I'd get the opportunity to learn another small piece about the enigma that was Rose Hathaway. She often spoke about Vasilisa and Victor and it was easy to tell how much she loved and admired them. I'd return with tidbits about my family and our life b
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Nineteen
RPOVSong: Strong - RAC Remix by London GrammarSeveral days after the incident with the Strigoi, things were finally getting back to normal. Although Guardians were well trained to be prepared for such instances, it still caused unrest within the kingdom. Understandably so, since blood-sucking demons almost took out a well-known member of the Dashkov line.Natalie had told her father she had been down passed the wards to tend to some of the gardens out there. It wasn't entirely unbelievable since she was an exceptional earth user and especially indulged in her skills with herbology. I supposedly stumbled upon her after she had "lost track of time", and the rest was history. I was more than willing to keep Victor in the dark regarding her other...activities of the evening but gave a full detailed report on everything that had happened thereafter.It had been quite some time since a Strigoi sighting in the area occurred and I took it very seriously. Extra men were set up on guard at al
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty
RPOVSongs: Overnight Sensation by BORNS, Absolute Loser by Fruit Bats, Reconfiguration by Other Lives, Clint Eastwood by Trey Anastasio"Not so tight Liss," I protested."Oh hush you big baby, I'm almost through."I jutted out my bottom lip in a pout and glared at my torturer through the mirror. Lissa pointedly ignored me and continued pulling thick strands of my hair into an elegant crown braid. I'm not sure why she insisted on dolling me up when this dinner was meant for her, but I obliged all the same. Besides, it seemed to calm her nerves and placate her for the time being.I knew she was beyond nervous about meeting Lord Ozera. If the jittery feelings through the bond weren't enough, her gnawed down fingernails and twitchy brow were a dead giveaway. Though I'm not sure why she would be worried. Even in one of her more modest dresses and uncombed hair, she was the depiction of elegant beauty, but now, adorned with a light blue dress that reminded me of a Robin's egg on a spring d
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty One
RPOVSongs: Tired as Fuck by The Staves, I'm in Here by Sia, Cocoon by Marty O'Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, Movement by HozierI sat up, finally relenting on feeling sorry for myself. It had been a long time since I'd cried like that, but the thought of the Dragomirs being ashamed of me was the tipping point to my resolve.I could hear the first signs of a storm rolling in and could only assume our guests had started to make their way home before it came down. I ran my hands through my hair, setting it free from the intricate braid Lissa had put it in for me. In the end, there had been no point in dressing me up. With my outburst, I might as well have just gone in my normal clothes. At least then Victor might not have been so caught off guard by my hostile reactions.I couldn't remember ever seeing him so furious, not even when Natalie and I had gotten into some of most notorious antics. I didn't understand why he had suddenly acted so uncharacteristically. Maybe he was under more
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty Two
DPOVSongs: Drown by Marika HackmanI laid there still, basking in the feel of her warm skin pressed against my cheek. The storm had finally passed and the only sounds within my tent resonated from our easy breaths. I'm not sure if we ever really slept that night. Just stole brief moments of peaceful rest as we came down from whatever exhilaration our bodies brought us to.I knew her excuses to leave were valid, not only was she the leader of our regiment, she was a princess. She had responsibilities that in no way involved someone like me. With the state that the current Dragomir line was in, it was imperative that her and Vasilisa work to repair...and replenish it. Not only was I an unworthy candidate for that job, but Dhampir did not have the ability to reproduce with each other. I could never give her the children that her family desperately needed. So I decided if this night was going to be a one-time occurrence, I was going to make the most of it.Every new part of her I roamed,
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty Three
RPOVSongs: Strange Times, Dark Days by Isla JuneAfter successfully sneaking back to my room undetected, I laid down on my bed, trying to get some semblance of sleep, but my mind was reeling with thoughts of Dimitri.It was only a release, a way to get rid of some of the tension—sexual or otherwise—that had been building. I just needed someone to tell my damn heart to stop fluttering like a pathetic trollop and listen to my head!Everything about our time together was exhilarating and mind-blowing. We were in such synchronization it was as if we had known each other for ages.Ugh, but those were exactly the kinds of thoughts I needed to avoid. There was no way it could go anywhere. Nothing serious could ever, EVER transpire between us…But I also couldn't stop thinking about every single detail like a friggin teenage stalker. Like how his eyes raked over my body as if he had never seen something so enrapturing. How his touch took my breath away and his kiss gave it back. And his lips
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty Four
RPOVSongs: WALLS by Kings of Leon, Retrograde by James Blake, Politik by ColdplayThe last of the dying flames finally diminished and the forest returned back to it's darkened state. I could no longer sense any other Strigoi nearby and was satisfied that we had taken them all out. A few of the men tossed some dirt over the remains of the scorched bodies that Lord Ozera had taken care of for us. The sun would've been just as effective in the morning, but it also posed the risk of catching some of the trees on fire as well and we were all glad no to have to drag the bodies back with us.Christian leaned his back against a nearby pine and let out a deep huff. I could tell his unusual paleness wasn't just a result of the still beaming moonlight and grabbed a couple Guardians nearby. "You two escort Lord Ozera back to the castle. He needs blood to replenish."The men nodded at me in agreeance and walked over to help Christian up. He defiantly shrugged them off at first, insisting that he
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Twenty Five
DPOVSong: Through the Dark by Alexi Murdoch, Beyond by Leon BridgesThe next week after Rose had asked me to take the role of High Constable was a nightmare. Victor was more than pleased at the news and insisted on having a small ceremony to make it official. It took everything within me to keep a scowl from my face during the charade as I was forced into the center of attention, but every once in a while I'd catch a glimpse at Rose, and the small, amused grin tugging at her lips kept my mood at bay.Immediately following the ceremony I was bombarded by tasks. Most of them were benign, routine undertakings to get me used to a position of authority in the kingdom, but others were necessities I had encumbered on myself. Specifically, finding out anything and everything I could about the íonachta. I had to be discreet in my findings but had managed to gather enough information about the extremist group from a variety of sources to determine our best defensive strategies. Apparently, the
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Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Nine
APOVSong: All These Things That I've Done by The Killers"You can't be serious?!" I stared at Pavel wide-eyed, as we walked down the crowded corridor."Completely. I heard with my own ears," he deadpanned.I shook my head and let out a low whistle. "That perverted old bastard. And you're sure it was the Voda prince?"Pavel nodded, becoming irritated now having to repeat himself again.I trusted the Dhampir, but hearing one of our society's renowned monarchs was rumored to be conducting some very unseemly acts involving livestock—well it was a lot to take in.The gossip around the palace had been at an all-time high now that the majority of the families had arrived for the ball. Rose was right about the extra foot traffic being a nightmare, but in some instances, it was beneficial to us. All the whispers across courts were now consolidated into one place, allowing us in on secrets that would've taken weeks to reach us before. Not all the information was helpful to our mission, but at
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Eight
RPOVSongs: Calling the Shots by Jamie B, Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth by Glass Animals, Faster by Orlean, Like Real People Do by HozierI bit down on an apple as I shoved my arm into the sleeve of my dress. The fruit was unseasonably large and barely fit in my mouth as I finished getting dressed. I could only assume the influx of Earth users had been using the orchard as an outlet this week rather than the gardens. When my hands were free again I took a chunk out of it and shuffled down the corridor. A few disturbed glances shot my way as I passed a group of Moroi and took another large bite.I wiped some juice off my chin with the edge of my sleeve before pushing through a small crowd. When I reached his door I knocked a few times and shoved through the opening after hearing his soft grunt in greeting. I closed the door behind me and plopped down on a stool by the window, propping my feet up on the other.Adrian's tawny hair was disheveled, his white tunic in a similar state. He
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Seven
APOVSongs: Sinnerman by Nina Simone, When I'm Small by Phantogram, Dream Lover by Bobby DarinA starling trilled from the rooftop.Its chattering was accompanied by flitting footsteps. The warm temperature no doubt bringing more of them in. I inhaled a deep breath, the air was clearer now.I looked down at my feet and groaned. Not only were the borrowed boots horrendous, but they were also two sizes too big. I looked ridiculous, but the men were starting to complain about the smell. I kicked a heel against the leg of my chair, the jostling feeling of the shoe around my foot foreign to me.The other chair beside me creaked as Abe sat down. "She was still a little edgy but hopefully she will relax enough to rest soon." I nodded, already aware that she was still awake. We'd been waiting for hours already, but luckily her night was our day and she was bound to tire out eventually.When Abe had brought me to the young woman she was too panicked, unable to concentrate long enough to gather
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Six
RPOVSongs: Burning Desire by Lana Del Rey, I'm on Fire by The Staves, Bad Vibes byThe halls were dark, even the windows were black. I must have slept in. I could barely feel the floor beneath my feet as I walked down them. My head was foggy. I wasn't sure when I'd gotten out of bed or how I'd gotten here. Most likely the alcohol's fault. Then a small light captured my attention. I moved towards it, drawn to the subtle glow.As I grew closer I realized it was coming from someone's room. The door was cracked allowing a few golden beams to escape into the blackness—a budding dawn splitting open a long dark night.It was a familiar room, one I'd intruded on before.A noise escaped into the hall. Was he having a nightmare again? Did he need me to wake him?I pushed open the door, not wanting him to suffer alone.Dimitri was lying on his bed with his eyes closed, but all other signs of sleep were nowhere to be found. His brow pulled together in a tight scrunch, his mouth slightly parted w
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Five
FDPOVSongs: Blue Monday by New Order"Have fun you two."Her back turned to me as her hand lifted towards Ivashkov's shoulder. Those fingers that had just been nervously fidgeting with a stone gently curled into a loving squeeze. His face lit up, and I was suddenly aware of the bruise forming on my chest where Rose's stake had been pressed.The past several weeks I'd conditioned myself. I'd used every situation with Rose as an opportunity to fortify my Guardian training. I wasn't necessarily detached, but I was far less emotionally invested. She was my pupil in the training ring and the Princess of St. Vladimir's outside of it. That idea played in my mind over and over like a mantra keeping me in check.But seeing them together was the ultimate test of my control. Especially when the voice in the back of my mind was clawing its way towards the surface, combatting my composure and begging to break out."...there are constantly two people battling inside me and I'm afraid what will ha
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Four
APOVSongs: Every Single Night by Fionna Apple, Lola by The RaincoatsTap Tap TapThere must have been a leak somewhere in the room. Either that or it was in my head. Hard to tell.Tap TapMy hand against the table joined the rhythmic water droplets.ThudA propped book flattened onto its shelf. Funny thing. I wondered how long it had been sitting like that. Barely clinging to stand until finally the weight of it just gave in and laid it to rest. A feeling I knew well.I fixated on that thought. Curious what the title of my book would be. Would it be thick, or thin? Would it be leather-bound, or frail material with tattered thread only just keeping the pages entwined? Regardless, the images inside would be spectacular.Tap Tap TapMy fingers sped up. I felt eyes on me. Eyes that weren't there.I wanted a drink. Something to calm my thoughts. But a sip wouldn't be enough. Not anymore.Honestly, I don't mind the drinking so much when it knocks you out and keeps you quiet. Then we're spa
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Three
EPOVSongs: Leave Before the Lights Come On by Arctic Monkeys, Humility by GorillazI starred my opponent down, unblinking until I thought my eyes would turn to prunes. He starred back, neither of us refusing to back off. I could smell tiny beads of sweat beginning to form along his forehead and knew I almost had him. I clenched my teeth, flexing the muscles around my jaw as he started gnawing on his bottom lip.My fingers were itching to move, but I kept them gripped tightly. A clicking sound came out of his mouth, one of his many tells and it was clear what I had to do next."Call," I shouted as I slammed down another stack of wooden chips.Dougal huffed and shook his head from across the table, "Big mistake Castile. I'm about to take you for all you've got."I flicked my cards between my fingers, letting them finally relax. "I like my odds.""Oh yeah," Healy laughed as he scratched his ginger beard. "That's what ye said three hands ago and even though ya slipped those cards back in
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty Two
RPOVSongs: Brain Damage by Pink Floyd, White Teeth Teens by Lorde, Answer by Phantogram, Present Tense by RadioheadSleep came surprisingly easy. I was sure I was in for hours of restlessness after the events that had unfolded that day but after unleashing all of that rage built up inside me, I crashed. Hard.I fell into a deep sleep. The kind that throws you into nothing but blackness, yet somehow it isn't terrifying. That was until the dark scene around me began to take a new shape.It was our old meeting place, the garden from the Western Isles. We'd met there about a dozen times before, but that time...something was off.Vines crawled up the walls in unnatural directions, starting one way and sharply jeering to another. Light was softly pouring in through the surrounding windows, but above us, the sky was pitch black with storm clouds hovering close by. Every once in awhile I'd feel a low vibration hum through the room. It caused the leaves to fervently shake before jolting to a
Hopeless Warriors Chapter Fifty One
DPOVSongs: While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles, One More Cup of Coffee by The White Stripes, Breathe (In the Air) by Pink FloydWe picked training back up the next day, neither of us bringing up the hot springs. I thought about asking her why she lied, but instead, devoted all my energy to something else.Adrian.In between routines over the next few days, I asked her questions about him. Most of them harmless but opened the door for more inquisition. Usually, she was the chatty one and I remained quiet, responding to her with a grunt or curt reply, so naturally, the change in my attitude pleased her. She answered every question with excitement and in great detail, which was hard to hear a lot of the time but helped me piece together the puzzle that was Adrian Ivashkov.If he was hiding something, I wasn't stupid enough to think he'd share it with Rose, so on top of gaining information from her, I ordered a few of my men to discreetly tail him and report back to me. There was
