In which hosts Bethanie and Ash discuss chapter 2 of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

Chapter 2 Summary

Dimitri keeps the girls separated on the flight back to St. Vladimir’s so that they cannot plot an escape. As they get closer to St. Vladimir’s in remote Montana, Rose recognizes that escape is increasingly unlikely. Lissa’s fear is so potent that Rose is drawn into her mind via their psychic connection. Through Lissa’s eyes, Rose sees molnija marks on Dmitri, which indicate that he has killed six Strigoi— vampires who have grown feral with bloodlust. Rose forces her mind away from Lissa’s, alarmed by this connection that neither she nor Lissa understands. Dimitri eventually comes to sit by Rose, asking her why she attempted the “stupid, but still brave” (22) act of attacking all the guardians for Lissa’s sake. Rose asserts that she is Lissa’s guardian, which Dimitri seems to accept.

They arrive at St. Vladimir’s at sunset, which marks the start of the school day for the vampiric students. On the way to see Headmistress Kirova, Dimitri and the guardians march Lissa and Rose through the center of campus, making them a spectacle for the other students. Rose notes that their classmates have changed little in her and Lissa’s two-year absence.

In the headmistress’s office, they find Prince Victor Dashkov, Lissa’s uncle, whom she embraces happily. Rose is horrified to find Victor prematurely withered by a disease that targets Moroi and that will prevent him from becoming king. Kirova scolds the two girls but places the blame on Rose, claiming that as Lissa’s guardian, Rose should have stopped Lissa from recklessly running away. Furious, Rose retorts that she kept Lissa safe when the school didn’t, but stops herself from saying more. (The narrative later reveals that Lissa is endangered by her powers of compulsion and healing, which are collectively known as “spirit.”) Now, Kirova decrees that Lissa, as a Moroi princess, must continue her education and that Rose will be expelled.

Lissa protests that her late parents wanted Rose to remain her guardian, but Kirova is unmoved until Dimitri argues that the two have a psychic bond. Kirova is shocked by this information, as it has been centuries since such a phenomenon has occurred between vampire and guardian. Dimitri, as Lissa’s new official guardian, believes that Rose should remain. Kirova agrees on the condition that Dmitri mentor Rose.

He reluctantly agrees, citing the diminished numbers of guardians in the ranks—particularly girls, who are often forced into sex work that includes allowing Moroi to drink their blood. Lissa cautiously adds her compulsion to influence the situation in the girls’ favor. (Rose notes that it is dangerous to use this tactic against another Moroi, who might detect the trick.) This time, nobody notices. Rose is put on probation, which she recognizes is an effort to separate her from Lissa.

Bite Me is a Three Sisters Podcast Network podcast. Hosted by Bethanie Finger and Ashleigh Tanner and featuring the literary works of Richelle Mead. The logo art was created by Bethanie Finger and the intro/outro music was composed by Something Weird.