FDPOVSong: Hush by Magic City HippiesIt only took a couple of days for us to receive word that our mission was a success. We still couldn't get ravens past the scattered barriers the humans had built up without them being shot down, but one of the men from Galloway stealthily made it back to deliver us a message in person. Janine was already getting word out to our allied lords and was formulating plans to come to our aid.Unfortunately, we weren't out of the weeds just yet. Moroi tended to pride themselves on being very diplomatic but weren't always the swiftest at making decisions. We knew it would take a bit of time before they joined together to rally behind us. There was also the matter of getting word back to Inferion about our current predicament.I had hoped that hearing from some of our neighboring kingdoms would be enough to spur the Ozeras into action, but Christian assured me that they most likely wouldn't listen. They would need to hear it straight from him or Natasha
RPOVSongs: Amber by 311, Solitude by Black SabbathWhen a maiden arrived at my room the next day instead of Lady Daniela, I half expected her to tell me that I was once again sequestered to my chambers. However, instead she offered me a small parchment and scurried out.When I opened the beige paper to find perfectly sculpted handwriting, I realized it was, in fact, a note from Adrian's mom. She explained that she had some business to take care of elsewhere and would not be able to escort me over the next couple of days. I was to make my own way about the grounds and be on my best behavior. She also hinted that eyes would be watching me and she would know when she returned of any mishaps I fell upon.I couldn't have been happier to discover she wasn't leaving me with some babysitter in the form of a hulking lurker, especially seeing how the last capable hands she left me in turned out to have claws. As I made my way out of my room I distracted myself by mentally plotting all the hein
RPOVSongs: Tumbleweed by Puscifer, Mama's Gonna Give You Love by Emily WellsThe smell of fresh morning dew filled my nose with each breath I took. The beat of my heart drummed in synchronization with the sounds of my feet pounding against the earth. I knew the trail so well, I could have closed my eyes if I wished. But I didn't dare. The scene around me was so serene I sometimes wished I didn't have to blink.I could feel a deep burn creeping up my legs, but rather than succumb to it I reveled in it, pushing harder, faster as I raced through the trees. Every color green you could imagine coated the entirety of the woods. The pale viridian moss clung to rocks and tree sides, dark emerald leaves hung lowly from heavy branches, rows of juniper vines climbed up towering trunks. Green, green, green, all around me. A shade that welcomed me home. A tone that brought me peace.Suddenly, a new palette was introduced. One instant it was beside me in a flash, the next it was behind me in a fad
RPOVSongs: Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones, Madness by Ruelle, Thrills by Donna MissalI had another dream about Lissa. Images were still a blur and nothing really made sense, but I could feel her.There was something weighing on her. Something making her sad. I could tell she was trying her best to hide it from others she interacted with, especially the brown-eyed mystery person, but it was there. In these dreams, I tried my best to focus on Lissa and what she was feeling so I could maybe, just maybe get a hint of what was going on but for some reason, my thoughts were often drawn to that other pair of eyes. At first, it was just genuine curiosity.Who did they belong to?Why were they so often near Lissa?But the more I saw them, the more I began to search for what was behind them. Most of the time they gave nothing away, but every once in a while I'd catch the smallest glimpse of emotion. Worry, heedfulness, loyalty, but above all else...pain.I couldn't understand wh
DPOVSong: Wolf by Marika HackmanHands reach up into my hair as fingers move to tangle themselves deeper in. Light scratches from fingernails against my scalp and soft moans against my lips cause my head to spin. I pull her warm body close to me and move my lips across her cheek to whisper into her ear, "Roza."That one, small word elicits a shiver from her that shakes her entire body. It's more than just a name. It's a promise. A promise of my love for her...and a promise of my lust for her.I grip onto her hips and try to lift her off me to move over her, but she fights me. She always does. It was a little game she liked to play before she finally, eventually, caved in. We roll around, our lips finding one another's in between chuckles and giggles before she takes charge and pins me down. Her hands latch on to mine digging them into the bedding, smaller yet somehow just as strong. I look up to see her smiling down at me, her self-proclaimed victory worn proud.Her hooded eyes are s
RPOVSongs: Running Home to You by Bee Caves, As It Was by HozierMy hair hurt.It had been nearly two weeks on the road and I was in desperate need of a bath. Luckily, one of the handmaidens that Daniela insisted we bring along with us knew how to braid hair and pulled mine up in a way that made it look less grimy than it actually was.There were about a thousand other things for me to worry about other than my hair. Like the two dozen men Mr. Mazur had volunteered to bring along with us and whether or not I could rely on a band of pirates to behave. Or our single air user who sprained his ankle, making it harder for him to work efficiently with the other Moroi at night building a ward around our various campsites. Not to mention Mr. Mazur himself, who seemed to be getting closer to Adrian by the day. Once it was confirmed Lissa received my letter, the pirate Lord offered us protection and safe passage on the journey to St. Vladimir's. I should have been elated. At this point, I owed
RPOVSongs: With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Anderson and Jim Sturgess, Celebrating Nothing by Phantogram, Crazy by L'Orchestra CinematiqueI dragged my feet back to the castle, kicking up loose rocks as I mindlessly twirled a piece of my hair."You told me."It sounded like a simple explanation, but it created a wad of confusion. How could I not remember telling someone something so precious to me, something I had kept a secret all my life?Was he lying? That didn't seem right since he had mentioned Andre's name.If that were the case then, of all people, why would I have told him?Was he the only one that knew or did I just randomly decide to tell the entire kingdom on a whim? Ugh, the thought of people going up there to have drunken sun up parties was the last thing I needed. And what the hell was up with that enormous wolf?I tugged on my hair until it became painful and let out a frustrated groan. It was pointless. I wasn't going to be able to answer any of those burning
RPOVSongs: Casino (Bad Thing) by Houndmouth, Take on Me by Anni B SweetOver the next week, I found myself feeling out of place more often than not.Surprisingly, I had been spending a lot of my time with Natalie. Lissa and Adrian were so excited about sharing their knowledge of Spirit they were constantly holding sessions when Lissa was able to get away from her royal responsibilities. Not that I blamed them, I could see how much they were learning from each other and how thrilling it was to them, but for me...it was boring as hell.Don't get me wrong, Lissa's ability to heal someone was one of the most miraculous things I would probably ever witness, and it still baffled me how Adrian could enter your dreams or get a read on someone just from the invisible space around them. But watching Adrian stare at a plant for hours trying to make it grow and lounging around indoors as Lissa squinted frustratingly at the air above our heads was beyond dull.Some days I would find a spark of en
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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