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

Vladimir Did Great Things—so Could She. Besides, They Come First, Right?" "not Always." I Stared. I'd Had They Come First Drilled Into Me Since I Was A Child. It Was What All Guardians Believed. Only The Dhampirs Who'd Run Away From Their Duty Didn't Subscribe To That. What He Said Was Almost Like Treason. "sometimes, Rose, You Have To Know When To Put Yourself First.

Adrian Frowned. 'is That A Noose?' 'it's A Tie!' I Cried, Trying Not To Feel Offended. He Laughed, Clearly Delighted At This. 'my Mistake.

I'll Just Love You Whether You Want Me To Or Not.

There Was A Lot Of Apologizing Going On, But I Realized That Was How It Was With People You Cared About. You Forgave Each Other And Moved On.

Staring Into The Mirror, I Was Surprised To See A Haunted Look In My Brown Eyes. There Was Pain There, Pain And Loss That Even The Nicest Dress And Makeup Couldn't Hide.