WEBVTT 00:00:13.643 --> 00:00:16.604 - There's something strange happening 00:00:16.646 --> 00:00:17.731 with me and Rose. 00:00:17.772 --> 00:00:19.983 Remember! 00:00:20.025 --> 00:00:22.569 - Don't freak out. - Okay. 00:00:24.779 --> 00:00:26.322 That's, um, new. 00:00:26.364 --> 00:00:29.701 - I'm actually a Spirit User just like St. Vladimir. 00:00:29.743 --> 00:00:31.453 - When I become queen, 00:00:31.494 --> 00:00:33.663 we'll know if someone is an incompetent fighter. 00:00:33.705 --> 00:00:34.664 - That's a lie. 00:00:34.664 --> 00:00:35.290 - Mikhail Tanner betrayed us 00:00:35.331 --> 00:00:37.917 by allowing himself to be turned Strigoi. 00:00:40.295 --> 00:00:42.047 - Guardians follow orders, Rose, 00:00:42.088 --> 00:00:43.214 or the system crumbles. 00:00:43.256 --> 00:00:44.924 - The system is broken. 00:00:44.966 --> 00:00:46.593 - I have to follow orders. 00:00:46.634 --> 00:00:48.470 - I don't. 00:00:48.511 --> 00:00:50.013 - So what do you know about Saint Vladimir? 00:00:50.055 --> 00:00:52.182 - I can help you, but only if you come back. 00:00:52.223 --> 00:00:53.641 Wake up. 00:00:53.641 --> 00:00:55.351 - I know you're hurting. 00:00:55.393 --> 00:00:57.103 And I'd do anything to make it stop. 00:01:03.693 --> 00:01:07.363 - Once there were 13 saints. 00:01:07.405 --> 00:01:11.785 Today, their children's children's children 00:01:11.826 --> 00:01:13.870 are called Royals. 00:01:13.912 --> 00:01:15.997 But they were saints back then, 00:01:16.039 --> 00:01:18.041 the best of the Moroi. 00:01:20.960 --> 00:01:24.923 And the best of the saints was Vladimir, 00:01:24.964 --> 00:01:29.803 the Messenger, the Founder. 00:01:29.844 --> 00:01:31.721 It was Vladimir who had the vision: 00:01:31.763 --> 00:01:33.723 a world for the Moroi, 00:01:33.765 --> 00:01:37.227 secret and isolated from the barbarous humans 00:01:37.268 --> 00:01:40.772 with their wars of religion, wars of conquest, 00:01:40.814 --> 00:01:42.649 wars of intolerance. 00:01:42.690 --> 00:01:46.694 And that vision was embodied in the human treaty, 00:01:46.736 --> 00:01:51.407 which gave all Moroi a home and gave all Dhampirs 00:01:51.449 --> 00:01:56.621 a purpose in the great, holy Elemental Order. 00:01:56.663 --> 00:01:58.414 You know this story. 00:01:58.456 --> 00:02:00.708 It's the one they tell children in the academies 00:02:00.750 --> 00:02:02.710 and in Feast Day homilies. 00:02:02.752 --> 00:02:05.922 It's the first great lie. 00:02:05.964 --> 00:02:09.801 The happy lie of St. Vladimir. 00:02:17.016 --> 00:02:20.520 - But the truth will come out because the truth always does. 00:02:31.197 --> 00:02:34.367 - And woe unto us if we let the lies make us forget 00:02:34.409 --> 00:02:38.371 the real dangers out there because they are out there, 00:02:38.413 --> 00:02:41.457 and they are very, very real. 00:03:01.644 --> 00:03:04.063 - It is time, Your Majesty. 00:03:04.105 --> 00:03:06.065 The hope we had for unanimity from the Council 00:03:06.107 --> 00:03:08.568 has gone by the wayside. 00:03:08.610 --> 00:03:11.654 Yes, because of my daughter's outburst. 00:03:11.696 --> 00:03:13.489 But we need to act. 00:03:13.531 --> 00:03:15.617 The only way we'll get a clear and decisive mandate 00:03:15.658 --> 00:03:17.493 is if you lead us there. 00:03:19.245 --> 00:03:21.122 You need to declare for me. 00:03:21.497 --> 00:03:25.543 - They are so beautiful after a feed. 00:03:25.585 --> 00:03:28.880 I know they say it is the outrush of chemicals 00:03:28.922 --> 00:03:31.841 in their brain that our bite releases, 00:03:36.804 --> 00:03:39.933 I hate the idea of an Elementalist on the throne, 00:03:39.974 --> 00:03:42.769 especially Tatiana Vogel. 00:03:42.810 --> 00:03:47.774 Happily, by my count, even after last night's fiasco, 00:03:47.815 --> 00:03:49.943 if you bring the three more persuadable 00:03:49.984 --> 00:03:51.778 heads of family home-- 00:03:51.819 --> 00:03:55.448 Abby Batista, Peter Tarus, and Evette Ozera, 00:03:55.490 --> 00:03:57.617 you should have a majority. 00:03:57.659 --> 00:04:01.496 Six to five-- that is enough for a win. 00:04:01.537 --> 00:04:04.040 - Yes, but-- - No, Victor. 00:04:04.082 --> 00:04:07.210 I cannot mandate this. 00:04:07.252 --> 00:04:10.255 There was a moment in the wake of Andre's death, yes, 00:04:10.296 --> 00:04:14.926 but now, all our hatreds and troubles are out in the open. 00:04:14.968 --> 00:04:19.472 The only way to hold the throne is to win the crown, 00:04:19.514 --> 00:04:23.810 legitimately and without my help. 00:04:23.851 --> 00:04:26.437 You have until tonight's closing caucus 00:04:26.479 --> 00:04:29.482 to get your votes. 00:04:58.928 --> 00:05:01.431 - Gotcha. 00:05:01.472 --> 00:05:03.057 - Cheater. 00:05:03.099 --> 00:05:05.768 There's no way that you beat me here 00:05:05.810 --> 00:05:10.106 and set up an ambush unless you scouted ahead of time. 00:05:10.148 --> 00:05:13.192 - Recon is just basic perimeter control. 00:05:13.234 --> 00:05:15.862 - You said we were going blind. 00:05:15.903 --> 00:05:18.573 - Suddenly, Rose Hathaway is a believer in rules. 00:05:25.204 --> 00:05:27.206 - I need a favor. 00:05:29.876 --> 00:05:32.503 - The risk of even one more person knowing, Lissa. 00:05:32.545 --> 00:05:34.464 - Yeah, after he just walks into my dream 00:05:34.505 --> 00:05:35.840 and makes himself at home? 00:05:35.882 --> 00:05:39.427 Rose, Adrian Ivashkov and I are in the same boat. 00:05:39.469 --> 00:05:43.056 I know of three confirmed Spirit Users. 00:05:43.097 --> 00:05:44.682 Vlad went Dark. 00:05:44.724 --> 00:05:47.435 I might be losing my mind, and the last one-- 00:05:47.477 --> 00:05:49.062 - Is a stone drunk, from what I hear. 00:05:49.103 --> 00:05:50.438 - A self-medicating drunk 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:52.690 who drinks to keep the Darkness at bay. 00:05:52.732 --> 00:05:54.650 But he might have answers, and right now, 00:05:54.692 --> 00:05:56.444 I need answers more than I need lectures 00:05:56.486 --> 00:05:59.405 about how scary it is. 00:05:59.447 --> 00:06:02.575 Because I might end up the same as Adrian 00:06:02.617 --> 00:06:06.704 if I don't find another way of keeping the Darkness in check. 00:06:06.746 --> 00:06:09.040 And this might be our only shot 00:06:09.082 --> 00:06:11.584 to figure out this link you and I have. 00:06:13.586 --> 00:06:15.963 - You're going to need Dimitri as well, you know. 00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:21.552 And what am I signing up for here? 00:06:21.594 --> 00:06:23.304 - That's the part that doesn't *. 00:06:23.346 --> 00:06:24.889 - A trip into the human world. 00:06:24.931 --> 00:06:26.557 Do you realize the kind of pre-planning 00:06:26.599 --> 00:06:27.892 that normally takes? 00:06:27.934 --> 00:06:30.520 It's a playground for Strigoi out there. 00:06:30.561 --> 00:06:33.564 Route planning, recon, coordination of guards. 00:06:33.606 --> 00:06:35.066 We don't have the necessary clearances. 00:06:35.108 --> 00:06:37.235 They won't so much as open the provincial gates for us. 00:06:37.276 --> 00:06:38.778 - They will for me. 00:06:40.988 --> 00:06:43.157 - This is foolhardy. 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:45.743 Go another day, when I know I can keep you safe. 00:06:45.785 --> 00:06:49.622 - Wow, you got a real earnest one here. 00:06:49.664 --> 00:06:51.624 Are you sure he's cool for what we got to do? 00:06:51.666 --> 00:06:54.502 - I trust him implicitly. 00:06:54.544 --> 00:06:56.087 This is what I'm doing. 00:06:56.129 --> 00:06:58.423 And your job is to make sure I don't die doing it, 00:06:58.464 --> 00:07:00.758 so are you in, or are you leaving me 00:07:00.800 --> 00:07:02.969 to the human world with only Adrian to protect me? 00:07:05.221 --> 00:07:06.973 - I am useless in a fight. 00:07:09.308 --> 00:07:10.685 Speaking of which, listen. 00:07:10.726 --> 00:07:14.355 You told me that I would have my own Guardian. 00:07:14.397 --> 00:07:16.607 - I know, I'm late. 00:07:16.649 --> 00:07:19.610 - Well, hello, little Dhampir. 00:07:24.157 --> 00:07:25.658 - This is the guy? 00:07:29.078 --> 00:07:31.372 I'm driving. 00:07:35.168 --> 00:07:36.836 - I am in your hands. 00:07:45.386 --> 00:07:47.513 - Have you ever even driven a car before? 00:07:56.355 --> 00:07:58.107 - Guess I'm in your hands. 00:08:19.670 --> 00:08:21.714 - And they just comply? 00:08:21.756 --> 00:08:23.424 Whatever you tell them? 00:08:23.466 --> 00:08:25.676 - Most of the time. 00:08:25.718 --> 00:08:28.054 - When you tried that with me, I could feel you 00:08:28.095 --> 00:08:30.806 knocking at the door of my consciousness. 00:08:30.848 --> 00:08:32.183 I'm envious. 00:08:32.225 --> 00:08:35.269 - Says the man who can just stroll into my dreams. 00:08:35.311 --> 00:08:36.854 About that. 00:08:36.896 --> 00:08:39.857 Now, Rose, just so you know, when I start making 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:42.068 inappropriate cameos in your dreams, 00:08:42.109 --> 00:08:45.404 just know that's not Spirit Magic, all right? 00:08:45.446 --> 00:08:47.532 That's just your intense attraction to me. 00:08:49.534 --> 00:08:51.661 Are you a whiskey kind of lady? 00:08:51.702 --> 00:08:53.538 - Where did you find this guy? 00:08:53.579 --> 00:08:54.705 - So have you ever healed anyone? 00:08:54.747 --> 00:08:58.876 - He--heal? You can heal? How? 00:08:58.918 --> 00:09:00.586 - Well, it's just like the other power. 00:09:00.628 --> 00:09:04.215 It's like this part of me drops inward and pools, 00:09:04.257 --> 00:09:06.842 and I get this warm rush, and I can do stuff. 00:09:06.884 --> 00:09:08.886 - So maybe I should explain. 00:09:08.928 --> 00:09:10.304 - Have you seen the auras yet? 00:09:10.346 --> 00:09:14.100 - Auras? No. Not yet. - What the hell is all this? 00:09:14.141 --> 00:09:15.977 And where are we going? 00:09:17.603 --> 00:09:18.854 - Time to clue us in. 00:09:25.945 --> 00:09:28.906 There is a scholar that we think 00:09:28.948 --> 00:09:31.075 has some answers that Lissa and I very much need. 00:09:31.117 --> 00:09:34.078 - A Moroi scholar in the human world? 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:35.997 - She's written some things about St. Vladimir 00:09:36.038 --> 00:09:40.167 that haven't made her very popular with the church. 00:09:40.209 --> 00:09:41.711 Or the Queen. 00:09:41.752 --> 00:09:43.379 Or anyone, really. 00:09:43.421 --> 00:09:46.007 - A heretic? 00:09:46.048 --> 00:09:48.217 - An iconoclast 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:50.511 who's been accused of heresy. 00:09:56.392 --> 00:09:59.270 - Lissa. 00:10:21.542 --> 00:10:22.835 - We need different clothes. 00:10:38.809 --> 00:10:41.062 - I understand the fear that St. Jude touched off, 00:10:41.103 --> 00:10:43.606 I feel it, but how much of our souls are we willing 00:10:43.648 --> 00:10:47.068 to trade away just to feel a little less afraid? 00:10:47.109 --> 00:10:49.487 Lady Ozera, these Dhampirs that the others 00:10:49.528 --> 00:10:52.239 are talking about elevating aren't just bodies. 00:10:52.281 --> 00:10:53.741 They're children, 00:10:53.783 --> 00:10:55.201 just like your nephew Christian. 00:11:00.414 --> 00:11:03.584 Abby, it's down to you. 00:11:03.626 --> 00:11:05.336 Your family has the honor 00:11:05.378 --> 00:11:06.712 of hosting the Royal Caucus tonight. 00:11:06.754 --> 00:11:08.756 Do me the honor of giving me your vote. 00:11:08.798 --> 00:11:12.176 - Victor, spare me the pitch. 00:11:12.218 --> 00:11:15.554 I'll do anything to stop that xenophobic monster Tatiana 00:11:15.596 --> 00:11:17.848 from taking the throne. 00:11:34.448 --> 00:11:37.076 - Sir, are you all right? 00:11:42.665 --> 00:11:46.127 - This scholar of yours, she lives around here? 00:11:46.168 --> 00:11:47.128 - Approximately. 00:11:47.169 --> 00:11:50.506 - You do know where we're going? 00:11:50.548 --> 00:11:54.218 - I know where we're going next. 00:11:54.260 --> 00:11:57.304 What? 00:11:57.346 --> 00:11:58.848 I don't know where she lives, 00:11:58.889 --> 00:12:02.309 but I know someone who might. - Might? 00:12:02.351 --> 00:12:06.647 - She's not exactly living out here on an official permit. 00:12:06.689 --> 00:12:09.233 You know, a heretic and all. 00:12:09.275 --> 00:12:10.359 She keeps a low profile. 00:12:10.401 --> 00:12:12.528 - For *'s sake. 00:12:14.530 --> 00:12:15.865 - Do we look human now? 00:12:30.546 --> 00:12:33.466 - Okay. 00:12:33.507 --> 00:12:34.675 - All right. 00:12:34.717 --> 00:12:36.135 So where's this friend we're meeting? 00:12:39.013 --> 00:12:40.598 - Who wants to go clubbing? 00:13:02.369 --> 00:13:03.662 - They're down there, 00:13:03.704 --> 00:13:06.665 brainstorming questions for their heretic. 00:13:06.707 --> 00:13:09.043 It's the nerdiest I've ever seen her. 00:13:14.590 --> 00:13:17.009 - Do you ever think about another life? 00:13:17.051 --> 00:13:19.553 Being more than just a pawn they can rip from your home 00:13:19.595 --> 00:13:22.640 or throw Strigoi at for fun? 00:13:22.681 --> 00:13:26.060 A life outside the Dominion. 00:13:26.101 --> 00:13:29.271 While we were dancing, 00:13:29.313 --> 00:13:31.941 you wanted that freedom too. 00:13:37.613 --> 00:13:41.075 But also the fear in the eyes of my mother, 00:13:41.116 --> 00:13:42.827 my sisters. 00:13:46.622 --> 00:13:49.667 And the fear I felt 00:13:49.708 --> 00:13:51.961 of that thing in me. 00:13:53.587 --> 00:13:57.550 It's why I need the code of the Guardian life, 00:13:57.591 --> 00:13:59.802 to keep that thing in check. 00:14:02.054 --> 00:14:03.639 Freedom. 00:14:06.392 --> 00:14:08.727 Freedom scares me to death, Rose. 00:14:11.313 --> 00:14:14.400 Or it did until-- 00:14:14.441 --> 00:14:16.193 - Until now? 00:14:31.834 --> 00:14:33.669 - Where the hell are we? 00:14:43.012 --> 00:14:45.180 - You've had a line on this woman for a while now. 00:14:45.222 --> 00:14:47.016 How have you never come to ask these questions before? 00:14:49.727 --> 00:14:51.604 - Sometimes you need the right answers to be able 00:14:51.645 --> 00:14:53.314 to ask the right questions. 00:15:18.005 --> 00:15:20.633 - Clarice Sewani. I'm Adrian-- 00:15:20.674 --> 00:15:22.426 - I know who you are, and the answer 00:15:22.468 --> 00:15:23.677 is the same as it's been for everyone 00:15:23.719 --> 00:15:26.305 you've sent to hassle me: * off. 00:15:26.347 --> 00:15:29.099 - Adrian, what are you doing? 00:15:29.141 --> 00:15:31.477 - What do you think, Lord Ivashkov? 00:15:31.518 --> 00:15:32.561 Just gonna force your way in? 00:15:32.603 --> 00:15:33.729 - Adrian... 00:15:33.771 --> 00:15:35.522 - Gonna set your Guardians on me? 00:15:35.564 --> 00:15:37.232 You think you can make me talk? 00:15:37.274 --> 00:15:39.902 - No. 00:15:39.944 --> 00:15:41.737 She can. 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:48.202 She's not gonna give us what we need if you don't. 00:15:53.248 --> 00:15:55.334 - I will. 00:15:55.376 --> 00:15:58.587 - You have Compulsion. 00:15:58.629 --> 00:16:00.172 You're a Messenger. 00:16:02.257 --> 00:16:05.135 - Which means I can make you talk, 00:16:05.177 --> 00:16:06.679 if I choose to. 00:16:33.580 --> 00:16:35.791 - Are you okay? 00:16:35.833 --> 00:16:39.253 - I should be asking you. 00:16:39.294 --> 00:16:40.629 I'm fine. 00:16:45.009 --> 00:16:45.968 - Here. 00:16:51.974 --> 00:16:53.350 You're pushing yourself. 00:16:53.392 --> 00:16:56.270 - I'm just--I'm just tired. 00:16:56.311 --> 00:16:57.604 But I did it. 00:16:57.646 --> 00:17:00.441 I will be king. 00:17:00.482 --> 00:17:03.318 I-- 00:17:08.949 --> 00:17:13.996 I just--I just need to make it through this last night. 00:17:14.038 --> 00:17:16.373 The Queen will submit me to caucus, 00:17:16.415 --> 00:17:18.000 the votes will formalize it, 00:17:18.042 --> 00:17:19.793 and then you and I can both rest. 00:17:19.835 --> 00:17:21.295 - But you have to make it through tonight 00:17:21.336 --> 00:17:26.592 looking like a king, and you can barely stand. 00:17:26.633 --> 00:17:31.013 Do you really think they'll allow it if they see this? 00:17:31.055 --> 00:17:35.142 Dad, would the Unionists even support you? 00:17:35.184 --> 00:17:38.562 I believe in you. 00:17:38.604 --> 00:17:40.898 And I'm better. Look at me. 00:17:40.939 --> 00:17:43.442 I slept. I had a feed. 00:17:43.484 --> 00:17:45.611 I'm gonna heal you again. 00:17:45.652 --> 00:17:47.988 I am. I can handle it. 00:17:48.030 --> 00:17:51.450 And after last night, 00:17:51.492 --> 00:17:54.953 there isn't much in my life that's come to anything. 00:17:54.995 --> 00:17:58.916 But this, I can do. 00:18:00.793 --> 00:18:03.087 I can make you king. 00:18:18.477 --> 00:18:20.354 Ready? 00:18:29.947 --> 00:18:31.949 - A man who raises such daughters 00:18:31.990 --> 00:18:33.784 seeks to be the father to our people. 00:18:33.826 --> 00:18:35.744 It cannot be. 00:18:35.786 --> 00:18:38.622 Your Holiness, it's time you stopped Victor 00:18:38.664 --> 00:18:40.666 once and for all. 00:18:40.707 --> 00:18:42.084 - Me? 00:18:45.045 --> 00:18:48.590 I represent the Elemental Way, my dear. 00:18:48.632 --> 00:18:49.883 Not the mortal one. 00:18:49.925 --> 00:18:52.719 - That distinction is exactly the problem. 00:18:52.761 --> 00:18:54.429 The Strigoi are at the gates. 00:18:54.471 --> 00:18:58.809 Our numbers are dwindling, and we are dithering. 00:19:01.353 --> 00:19:04.189 We need to think bigger. 00:19:04.231 --> 00:19:07.484 You, my dear aunt, 00:19:07.526 --> 00:19:10.946 need to think bigger. 00:19:10.988 --> 00:19:13.907 You will speak for the Church 00:19:13.949 --> 00:19:16.660 and end this humiliation. 00:19:26.879 --> 00:19:29.965 - Okay. 00:19:30.007 --> 00:19:31.383 I think I need to know what's happening here. 00:19:34.887 --> 00:19:36.847 - What do you want to know? 00:19:36.889 --> 00:19:38.557 - All of it. 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:40.434 - And then this corner looked like 00:19:40.475 --> 00:19:42.436 it was Vladimir healing someone, 00:19:42.477 --> 00:19:43.812 which is also something I can do. 00:19:43.854 --> 00:19:46.982 - That leaves the center, where Vladimir's eyes are. 00:19:47.024 --> 00:19:48.901 - Where he's consumed by Darkness. 00:19:48.942 --> 00:19:53.488 His eyes are black in a way I think I've seen in myself. 00:19:53.530 --> 00:19:57.326 He was a Spirit User, and it did something to him. 00:19:57.367 --> 00:19:59.036 And a long time ago, someone decided 00:19:59.077 --> 00:20:00.579 that no one should ever know. 00:20:00.621 --> 00:20:03.373 And they gave us some bullshit story about happy Vladimir. 00:20:03.415 --> 00:20:06.293 - We want the truth about Vlad. 00:20:06.335 --> 00:20:07.419 All of it. 00:20:07.461 --> 00:20:08.879 - We want to know how he fought it off, 00:20:08.921 --> 00:20:10.505 the Darkness. 00:20:10.547 --> 00:20:12.049 He must have, somehow. 00:20:20.307 --> 00:20:23.894 - Compulsion,. Dream Walking. Healing. 00:20:23.936 --> 00:20:26.188 That's Anna there. 00:20:26.230 --> 00:20:30.817 Faithful Anna, the model Dhampir Guardian. 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:32.486 Shadow-Kissed Anna. 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:36.114 But what about the fourth corner? 00:20:38.867 --> 00:20:41.078 - It's been worn away. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:44.039 I've never been able to find that out. 00:20:44.081 --> 00:20:47.876 - If early accounts of this altarpiece are to be believed, 00:20:47.918 --> 00:20:52.130 the image here originally looked something like this. 00:20:55.008 --> 00:20:57.970 It's called a Spirit Bond. 00:20:58.011 --> 00:20:59.930 Anna knew his heart like it was her own. 00:20:59.972 --> 00:21:02.349 Sometimes his thoughts. 00:21:02.391 --> 00:21:05.269 Maybe even saw through his eyes. 00:21:05.310 --> 00:21:08.605 This is your answer. 00:21:08.647 --> 00:21:13.026 Vladimir's solution to the Darkness, as you call it. 00:21:14.903 --> 00:21:17.781 He passed it to her. 00:21:30.002 --> 00:21:32.462 - They actually believe all of this. 00:21:32.504 --> 00:21:33.922 A Fifth Element? 00:21:33.964 --> 00:21:36.550 Secret Magic that Vladimir had and the entire Dominion 00:21:36.591 --> 00:21:38.176 has kept a secret for centuries? 00:21:38.218 --> 00:21:40.512 - Or they just edited it out of the whole story 00:21:40.554 --> 00:21:43.432 after they burned a bunch of people alive. 00:21:43.473 --> 00:21:46.643 That's what they do-- lie and kill. 00:21:46.685 --> 00:21:47.686 So why not? 00:21:47.728 --> 00:21:49.771 - Because...it goes against 00:21:49.813 --> 00:21:51.982 the whole holy Elemental Order. 00:21:52.024 --> 00:21:55.193 The four-part harmony of the world. 00:21:55.235 --> 00:21:58.447 I shouldn't have let this happen. 00:21:58.488 --> 00:22:01.241 - *. 00:22:01.283 --> 00:22:03.493 They're coming. 00:22:03.535 --> 00:22:05.037 - Go. 00:22:07.456 --> 00:22:11.043 - Vladimir didn't beat the Darkness. 00:22:11.084 --> 00:22:12.461 He just gave it to someone else. 00:22:12.502 --> 00:22:15.797 Have I been doing this to Rose? 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.841 - She does sort of walk on the Dark side of things. 00:22:17.883 --> 00:22:19.343 - No, no. 00:22:19.384 --> 00:22:23.055 He was supposed to show me I could be someone good. 00:22:23.096 --> 00:22:25.891 When everything's telling me that what I have in me is bad, 00:22:25.932 --> 00:22:27.851 he was supposed to be good. 00:22:27.893 --> 00:22:31.271 But he's just another parasitic Moroi like all of us, 00:22:31.313 --> 00:22:33.190 just using his Guardian like that. 00:22:33.231 --> 00:22:35.609 - Strigoi coming. We're going now. 00:22:35.650 --> 00:22:38.278 - What? 00:22:38.320 --> 00:22:40.322 You children. 00:22:40.364 --> 00:22:41.782 You led them right to me. 00:22:41.823 --> 00:22:43.617 - Yeah, lady, we did, but we've got the jump on them, 00:22:43.658 --> 00:22:45.160 and we're going with or without you. 00:22:45.202 --> 00:22:47.662 - Rose, no, she has-- - Lissa, we've got to go. 00:22:49.915 --> 00:22:51.124 - They're here. 00:23:02.552 --> 00:23:04.763 Inside. 00:23:04.805 --> 00:23:06.264 - You'll be safe in here. 00:23:14.356 --> 00:23:15.899 - You knew they were coming. 00:23:15.941 --> 00:23:19.069 You can sense them in your gut. 00:24:10.537 --> 00:24:13.331 Hey, listen, you're assuming that Vladimir 00:24:13.373 --> 00:24:15.375 forced his Darkness onto Anna, 00:24:15.417 --> 00:24:18.336 but what if she took it? 00:24:18.378 --> 00:24:19.754 Isn't that what we learned in Sunday school, 00:24:19.796 --> 00:24:23.800 the holy devotion of Shadow-Kissed Anna? 00:24:23.842 --> 00:24:26.511 - What is Shadow-Kissed? 00:24:26.553 --> 00:24:29.139 I mean, how does any of this even makes sense? 00:24:42.819 --> 00:24:44.738 - This is one of the parts of Vladimir's story 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:47.908 the authorities wanted to expunge 00:24:47.949 --> 00:24:52.037 because the Spirit Bond 00:24:52.078 --> 00:24:54.915 was the fruit of Vladimir's ultimate sin. 00:25:02.255 --> 00:25:05.300 Rose! Rose! 00:25:13.892 --> 00:25:16.186 Rose! 00:25:16.228 --> 00:25:17.771 - Lissa! 00:25:25.820 --> 00:25:27.739 - She's just a kid. 00:25:27.781 --> 00:25:30.825 What the actual *? 00:25:51.846 --> 00:25:53.765 - Never hesitate. 00:26:28.341 --> 00:26:31.636 May the succession bring prosperity to the Dominion. 00:26:34.556 --> 00:26:35.765 - Very good. 00:26:35.807 --> 00:26:37.851 Thank you all. 00:26:45.275 --> 00:26:48.236 Is there something else, Irene? 00:26:48.278 --> 00:26:49.571 - There is. 00:26:55.702 --> 00:26:57.454 Your Majesty... 00:27:02.125 --> 00:27:05.420 For decades now, you and I 00:27:05.462 --> 00:27:09.674 have maintained a balance between the vagaries 00:27:09.716 --> 00:27:14.554 of the political realm and the durable interest of the faith. 00:27:14.596 --> 00:27:17.849 - As have all eight of my High Priests 00:27:17.891 --> 00:27:20.101 and Priestesses before you. 00:27:20.143 --> 00:27:22.479 - Yours? Hmm. 00:27:22.520 --> 00:27:25.357 That, Marina, is precisely the problem. 00:27:25.398 --> 00:27:27.192 The balance has collapsed. 00:27:27.233 --> 00:27:29.944 This ugly chapter with Victor is only 00:27:29.986 --> 00:27:32.530 the latest indignity to be forced on the faith 00:27:32.572 --> 00:27:34.866 by political interests. 00:27:34.908 --> 00:27:38.536 The time has come for the faith to assert itself. 00:27:38.578 --> 00:27:41.456 - To muck about where it doesn't belong, you mean? 00:27:41.498 --> 00:27:43.375 - To call in the many chits we have 00:27:43.416 --> 00:27:46.836 piled up against the crown. 00:27:46.878 --> 00:27:50.799 Do not mistake forbearance for weakness. 00:27:50.840 --> 00:27:53.385 I am telling you that nominating Victor 00:27:53.426 --> 00:27:56.096 would be a very grave error. 00:27:56.137 --> 00:27:58.431 - Better your niece. 00:27:58.473 --> 00:28:01.810 How much balance would there be 00:28:01.851 --> 00:28:06.856 if one family controlled both Church and state? 00:28:06.898 --> 00:28:09.025 Unless you're retiring. 00:28:09.067 --> 00:28:12.028 - Tatiana is the only candidate for the throne 00:28:12.070 --> 00:28:14.489 that the Church will tolerate. 00:28:14.531 --> 00:28:17.867 And without the support of the Church, 00:28:17.909 --> 00:28:19.244 the new monarch will fail. 00:28:19.285 --> 00:28:21.996 The Elementalists will make sure of it. 00:28:22.038 --> 00:28:23.832 Iwill make sure of it. 00:28:23.873 --> 00:28:27.836 Victor will not rule. 00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:53.695 - I saw him. 00:28:53.737 --> 00:28:55.530 They followed us here from the club. 00:28:55.572 --> 00:28:57.198 - They had a human smorgasbord there. 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:59.325 What would we matter to them? 00:29:14.424 --> 00:29:16.217 - My life here is dead. 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:18.052 - No, the Strigoi are dead. 00:29:18.094 --> 00:29:19.554 You could clean up, and-- 00:29:19.596 --> 00:29:22.557 - You're so far out of your depth. 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:26.978 You have no idea how this world works. 00:29:27.020 --> 00:29:30.356 It's not the Strigoi I'm worried about. 00:29:30.398 --> 00:29:31.733 It's the ones who come after them. 00:29:38.573 --> 00:29:43.077 You've burned my world down. 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:46.956 But to make us even, I'm going to give you 00:29:46.998 --> 00:29:48.792 what you came here for. 00:30:12.315 --> 00:30:13.650 - What the hell is going on? 00:30:13.691 --> 00:30:15.735 How can you have possibly lost the Queen? 00:30:15.777 --> 00:30:17.195 - What are you talking about, Abby? 00:30:17.237 --> 00:30:20.281 The Queen has assured me-- 00:30:20.323 --> 00:30:23.117 - I have it from Tatiana's own lips. 00:30:23.159 --> 00:30:25.620 The Queen won't submit your name to the Council. 00:30:25.662 --> 00:30:27.455 Word's already getting out. 00:30:27.497 --> 00:30:29.082 You've lost her confidence. 00:30:29.123 --> 00:30:33.878 Tarus, the Ozeras, they're all wavering. 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:35.964 You may not have your votes much longer. 00:30:41.344 --> 00:30:43.429 No. 00:30:43.471 --> 00:30:45.473 Not now. 00:30:46.933 --> 00:30:48.142 No. 00:30:48.184 --> 00:30:49.185 No. 00:30:58.194 --> 00:31:00.530 - Your father sent me. 00:31:05.243 --> 00:31:06.369 Are you all right? 00:31:06.411 --> 00:31:07.412 - I just need to feed. 00:31:22.427 --> 00:31:24.429 Sonya. 00:31:24.470 --> 00:31:27.265 Hey, easy. 00:31:27.307 --> 00:31:28.516 Sonya. 00:31:30.435 --> 00:31:31.769 Slow down, please! 00:31:33.646 --> 00:31:37.191 Please! No! 00:31:40.612 --> 00:31:43.448 - This is the moment. I have the votes. 00:31:43.489 --> 00:31:44.908 You only need to name me, and it's done. 00:31:44.949 --> 00:31:46.451 They will do your will. 00:31:46.492 --> 00:31:49.037 Marina, please, after all we've given, 00:31:49.078 --> 00:31:52.165 I have to have this. 00:31:52.206 --> 00:31:54.626 - I'm sorry, Victor. 00:31:54.667 --> 00:31:56.628 The Church has forced my hand. 00:32:02.091 --> 00:32:06.721 But I have one final card to play. 00:32:19.442 --> 00:32:22.403 I want to thank my dear friend Abby Batista 00:32:22.445 --> 00:32:26.157 for hosting us on this weighty day. 00:32:26.199 --> 00:32:28.326 As we choose our next leader, 00:32:28.368 --> 00:32:33.414 I remind you that a good monarch must know when to rule 00:32:33.456 --> 00:32:35.041 and when not to. 00:32:35.083 --> 00:32:38.169 As there is no clear majority for either the Elementalist 00:32:38.211 --> 00:32:40.380 or Unionist candidate tonight, 00:32:40.421 --> 00:32:43.132 I am suspending this caucus... 00:32:45.593 --> 00:32:50.139 And invoking the ancient rite of Royal Trial, 00:32:50.181 --> 00:32:53.393 a ritual steeped in and sanctified 00:32:53.434 --> 00:32:56.312 by our religious forebears. 00:32:56.354 --> 00:33:00.191 The candidates must face a series of sacred tests. 00:33:00.233 --> 00:33:04.320 Whoever wins will rule. 00:33:04.362 --> 00:33:08.157 Thus, the Elements will decide our fate, 00:33:08.199 --> 00:33:11.285 not your aging Queen. 00:33:11.327 --> 00:33:15.498 As of now, the future of our Dominion 00:33:15.540 --> 00:33:18.209 is in the hands of the Elements. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:44.986 - It was just a moment. 00:33:45.028 --> 00:33:48.448 We hesitated for one tiny moment. 00:33:48.489 --> 00:33:52.326 - There's no room for divided loyalties in this world, Rose. 00:33:52.368 --> 00:33:54.996 There can never be a question 00:33:55.038 --> 00:33:57.874 of you or them, 00:33:57.915 --> 00:34:00.168 me or your charge. 00:34:00.209 --> 00:34:01.502 There can be no hesitation. 00:34:01.544 --> 00:34:04.839 - Of course not. 00:34:04.881 --> 00:34:06.382 It's a * dream. 00:34:11.721 --> 00:34:14.682 But you felt it. 00:34:14.724 --> 00:34:16.017 Right? 00:34:19.562 --> 00:34:21.481 What we could be? 00:34:23.733 --> 00:34:26.527 - Every second of it. 00:34:26.569 --> 00:34:28.029 But never again. 00:35:06.442 --> 00:35:09.987 - For 500 years, we've burrowed down in our provinces 00:35:10.029 --> 00:35:12.698 and let ourselves forget that the Strigoi 00:35:12.740 --> 00:35:16.160 aren't the only ones with the power to do us harm. 00:35:17.787 --> 00:35:21.999 Beyond the wards, they watch and wait, 00:35:22.041 --> 00:35:27.213 ready to come down on us with all their fury if we err. 00:35:27.255 --> 00:35:29.173 But if history is our guide, 00:35:29.215 --> 00:35:33.219 the first wound we suffer will be self-inflicted. 00:35:33.261 --> 00:35:36.597 We turn on our own first. 00:36:21.434 --> 00:36:23.603 - Thank God you're here. I needed to see you. 00:36:23.644 --> 00:36:26.230 - I don't want you to be my Guardian. 00:36:26.272 --> 00:36:28.941 Not now, not ever. 00:36:28.983 --> 00:36:32.361 It's just--it's too wrong, all of it. 00:36:32.403 --> 00:36:34.864 The way we exploit you. 00:36:34.906 --> 00:36:37.825 I just can't do it anymore, not to you. 00:36:39.243 --> 00:36:43.331 They'll give me someone, and I can't avoid that. 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:49.462 But I just can't have it be you. 00:36:49.503 --> 00:36:51.631 You deserve better. 00:36:51.672 --> 00:36:52.840 - I deserve? 00:36:52.882 --> 00:36:55.218 - I'm trying to do what's best. 00:36:57.428 --> 00:37:01.474 - You have no idea what it's like to be us. 00:37:01.515 --> 00:37:02.850 None. 00:37:02.892 --> 00:37:05.978 And now you're gonna tell me what I deserve? 00:37:06.020 --> 00:37:08.481 You're going to make that choice for me, 00:37:08.522 --> 00:37:09.899 but I don't get a say? 00:37:12.401 --> 00:37:17.198 I have no option but to be a Guardian, 00:37:17.240 --> 00:37:21.244 and the only thing that makes all that shit worthwhile 00:37:21.285 --> 00:37:22.912 is you. 00:37:22.954 --> 00:37:24.997 And now you're gonna take that away 00:37:25.039 --> 00:37:28.042 as some kind of a favor to me? 00:37:28.084 --> 00:37:30.378 You have no idea what I would give up for you. 00:37:30.419 --> 00:37:31.712 I would die for you. 00:37:31.754 --> 00:37:33.839 - Yeah, I know you would, because you did. 00:37:36.050 --> 00:37:39.553 - The ultimate sin Vladimir committed 00:37:39.595 --> 00:37:41.389 was resurrection. 00:37:43.849 --> 00:37:47.770 In a faith built on the cycling of Elements, 00:37:47.812 --> 00:37:49.897 there is no greater violation... 00:37:52.233 --> 00:37:56.529 Than bringing life back to the dead. 00:37:56.570 --> 00:38:00.074 That was the source of the bond to Anna, 00:38:00.116 --> 00:38:02.785 the Shadow Kiss. 00:38:02.827 --> 00:38:07.039 Death left its mark on her... 00:38:08.541 --> 00:38:12.253 - Just as it has on your friend. 00:38:14.714 --> 00:38:16.215 - You died 00:38:16.257 --> 00:38:19.885 saving me in the accident. 00:38:19.927 --> 00:38:21.387 I brought you back. 00:38:23.931 --> 00:38:26.892 You're Shadow-Kissed. 00:38:26.934 --> 00:38:29.895 That's why we have this bond between our spirits. 00:38:29.937 --> 00:38:31.814 But now-- 00:38:31.856 --> 00:38:36.319 now I know how toxic that's been for you. 00:38:36.360 --> 00:38:40.281 I've been passing my Darkness off to you. 00:38:41.699 --> 00:38:44.243 I'm not gonna do it anymore, 00:38:44.285 --> 00:38:45.578 not if I can help it. 00:38:45.619 --> 00:38:48.497 - So firing me is going to solve that? 00:38:48.539 --> 00:38:50.166 - It's a start. 00:38:50.207 --> 00:38:53.419 - Lissa-- - I'm sorry. 00:38:53.461 --> 00:38:55.254 I'm so sorry. 00:39:02.636 --> 00:39:04.930 - Lissa. 00:39:04.972 --> 00:39:06.098 Lissa! 00:39:07.725 --> 00:39:09.018 Lissa! 00:39:10.978 --> 00:39:12.063 Lissa! 00:39:17.818 --> 00:39:20.071 Lissa! 00:39:45.805 --> 00:39:46.806 - Sonya? 00:39:47.973 --> 00:39:49.308 Sonya. 00:40:03.155 --> 00:40:04.323 Sonya?