He visited each of them in turn, each splinter of the small army that would destroy him. For each he reflected the darkness he found there, tried to coax it to fruition from the shadows.

Arthur was first. He found him in silent tears, alone in his tall dark house, moonlight throwing silver shapes on the floor.

Arthur he offered relief. Drown your sorrows in blood. He said. It's easy. And you'll never feel pain again, never know grief again.

Arthur looked at a beaten cowboy hat that was sitting on the table. His tearful eyes said no.

The American was second. He found him seated before a fire, absentmindedly whittling away at a stick and staring at the flames.

Quincey Morris he offered eternity. Go anywhere. He said. Be young and strong forever, do anything, do everything. See the ages pass.

Quincey looked at the stick. See everything, sure. He said. 'Cept the sunrise. His knife said no.

Jack Seward was next. He found him at his desk, morphine flowing through his veins, shoulders slumped.

Jack he offered power. Never feel helpless again. He said. Play god. Kill with no remorse. Take what you want.

Jack looked through bloodshot eyes at the dull gleam of his phonograph in the dark room. His shaky hands said no.

The good professor was harder to locate. He found him in a library, reeking of garlic and old, yellowed books.

Abraham Van Helsing he offered knowledge. Forever to figure out the world. He said. Understanding of our kind. Heightened senses, endless time to read and write and wonder.

Van Helsing could have looked towards his books, or at his rosary. But he did not need to. Abraham Van Helsing looked him in the eye and said no.

Jonathan Harker he did not visit. Jonathan, after all, knew his voice too well.

His wife, however, he found at their home. She was asleep, dark hair flowing across her pillow, lips parted.

Mina he offered everything he'd offered her menfolk. Mina he offered an escape. You are wasted on this era. He said. Your society hampers your intellect, your wit, denies you the power and respect you deserve. Come with me and have the world at your feet, forever.

Mina looked at Jonathan, who slept on.

Mina said no.

Hers was the "no" he chose to ignore.