Hey everyone, Dakota here. Just by looking you might think that I am just an average 16 year old girl. That would be your only mistake. I am half vampire and half human which is a dhampir who is smart, strong, courageous, and a little bit sophisticated. My friends and I attend the Maryville Middle School. This is not a very fun experience (like always) because I got assigned to pass out Math papers down to the office. My real goal is to be a Guardian because they have the coolest job.

When I get back to my locker, there’s this random note on mine, Hazen’s, Verinamey and Dominic Ozera, and Chelsie Castelle’s locker that says:

Dear students of the following,

We ask of you to come back to St.Vladimir’s Academy. There is an emergency to where all of our students are troubled and scared. Please return ASAP. BEWARE of Strigoi on your way back because they are surrounding our outer layer of school property. Thank you and hurry to the office of Guardian Dimitri Belikov and Headmistress Kirova.

Yours sincerely,

Guardian Dimitri Belikov and Headmistress Kirova.’

“I can’t believe that they have Strigoi surrounding their area. It is really sad and I hope that they make it safe,” Verinamey worriedly protested about the dangerous vampires lurking in our area.

“Oh, don’t worry Verinamey. It’s probably one of the tests that they’re doing for me to become a Guardian,”

“OK. I am just going to pretend that they are real,” Verinamey insisted, “You’re our only priority right now to lead us to safety, Dakota!” she teased.

“So is everyone getting ready for the not fun ride to St. Vladimir’s Academy?” I questioned.

“Yeah, looks like they’re ready! Oh hey Dakota, hehe I forgot that you were here. Wink Wink,” Hazen replied curiously.

“You little eavesdropper! What else have you heard or read?” Dakota asked.

“Well, all I have heard and read is that we have to return to Vampire Academy because the Strigoi have gotten worse ever since we moved away from there. Your dad is infuriated, Dakota." Hazen replied

"All I know is that he taught you all of those moves while training your mom. To try to compare you and your dad, aren’t you part Russian too, I mean your dad was Russian and all of that so you might at least be half Russian and-,”

“Just stop talking Hazen, and let’s pack,” Dakota interrupted. “As you know, we haven’t much time to mess around. So let’s skedaddle, shall we, or are you too busy trying to make us late for the guardian tests here at a time like this? Oops, said too much didn’t I?”

“Just a little, Dakota. I’ll just pretend that the tests aren’t tests, but reality! We still have to return not just because of Guardian tests, but to protect others from actual Strigoi!” exclaimed Dominic.