You've Always Been My Equal, Roza.

Happy Birthday." Adrian Came To A Sudden Halt. The Words Were Soft And Small, Spoken Tentatively, But Easily Discerned By Vampire Ears. Slowly, He Turned Around And Found Jill Mastrano Standing Shyly Before Him.

No,''he Said.''i Was A Strigoi. I Was One Of Them. I Did...terrible Things.'' The Words Were Mild, But The Tone Of His Voice Spoke Legions. The Radiant Faces Of His Family Turned Sober.''i Was Lost. Beyond Hope. Except...rose Believed In Me. Rose Never Gave Up.

Rose, Do You Think I'd Do Anything That Would Hurt You.- Dimitri To Rose

It Occurred To Me That I Was Standing Face To Face With The Hero Of A Love Story Nearly As Dramatic As My Own.

Even When I Was Dizzy With Vodka, That Smile Never Failed To Make My Heart Speed Up.