It was one thing to accept I couldn't have Dimitri. It was something entirely different to realize someone else could.

So that's how you're going to fix the family problem. Little Dragomirs. Good idea.

He smiled and tapped my nose. "Two thank-yous in as many days. I don't suppose I'll get to see any, uh, special gratitude?" I scoffed. "Nope. You'll just have to imagine it." He gave me a half-hug and released me. "Fair enough. But I have a good imagination.

Shouldn't that be flipped right-side up?" I asked. "No," she said, eyes on the cards. After several moments of heavy silence, said, "You will destroy that which is undead." I waited about thirty seconds for her to continue, but she didn't. "Wait, that's it?" She nodded. "That's what the cards say to me.

Stick." I said in Russian. I had no clue what the word for stake was. I pointed at the silver ring I wore and made a slashing motion. "Stick. where?" He stared at me in utter confusion and then asked in perfect English, "why are you talking like that?

I know how devastated you must be to miss me, but leave a message, and I'll try to ease your agony

I fought against her, trying to mount some kind of defense, but it was like fighting Dimitri on crack.