Lydia awoke to the sound of her chamber door unlocking. Her head hurt from crying and her spirits sank as she saw the same gloomy room. She stared at the door, still praying that her brother would walk through it and tell her it had all been a joke. When Nerull walked through the door she felt like crying again.

"Get up," Nerull commanded, throwing a white gown at her, "and put that on. We wed at once."

The wedding was empty, dark, and quick. She and Nerull stood alone in front of an alter in a dingy, black room. Nerull recited the formal words of the ceremony, cutting out the unnecessary parts, at rapid speed. Lydia's only words throughout the whole, five minute ordeal being "I do," which she was forced to say at knifepoint. The second it was over, Nerull swept out of the room, beckoning Lydia to follow him.

He led her to what can only be described as a sitting room. There were two men in it, talking and laughing. One was none other than Erythnul, god of slaughter himself. The other man Lydia didn't recognize, but his long, pointed fangs instantly gave him away as a vampire. As they got closer, Lydia realized they were swapping slaughter stories. The vampire seemed to be telling one that was particularly entertaining.

"So then this bitch," he was saying.

"I hate to interrupt what is doubtlessly a thrilling and bloody tale," said Nerull dryly, "but I must speak with both of you. Erythnul, I wish to speak to Zyphre first. If you would wait in my office, I will be with you shortly."

The god of slaughter cackled and stood up, departing with a creepy, "Until next time, Zyphre…"

Zyphre leaned back and took in the woman slightly behind Nerull. She looked very overwhelmed, scared, and there was a slightly dead look behind her eyes. Even so, she was very beautiful, and Zyphre felt himself getting a little aroused as his eyes followed the curves of her body.

"So," said Zyphre with a slightly evil grin. "This is your blushing bride-to-be? You were right. She is very…pretty." He raised his eyebrows slightly seductively.

Lydia's face turned scarlet and she turned her eyes away. Nerull stepped back to expose her more.

"She is a bride-to-be no longer," said Nerull.

"Aww, you got married and you didn't tell me?" asked Zyphre in a mock hurt voice. "That really stings. You knew I wanted to meet her and attend."

"You'll have plenty of time to get to know her," said Nerull. "You will be her official guard."

The mischievous grin slid off his face for the first time. He looked horrified. "You can't be serious," he said. "I can't play babysitter, I'm – I have an entire race to govern! Come on, Nerull!"

"Your second can run them just fine," said Nerull. "You allied yourself to me–"

"Allied doesn't mean slave!"

"You will do as you're told!"

"I don't take orders from anyone!"

"While you are living in my castle you take orders from me!"

"You're making me live here!"

"N-Nerull," Lydia cut in softly, "h-he doesn't have to guard me if he doesn't want to…Ahh!"

Lydia broke off with a sharp cry as Nerull silenced her by slapping her across the face.

"Silence!" he commanded. "Both of you! Lydia, you will see me in my chamber tonight for our wedding night. Zyphre, you will watch her until further notice. That is the final word!"

Nerull stormed off down the hall, leaving the two of them behind. Zyphre continued to look disbelieving for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. The mischievous grin slid into place with practiced ease.

"I suppose I'll have to pretend to be interested, then," he said. "Tell me about yourself."

"I was kidnapped from my family, forced into marriage with a truly vile man who struck me for speaking, and I'm going to be raped tonight," said Lydia flatly.

"It happens to the best of us," said Zyphre. "Are you a virgin?"

Lydia looked affronted. "Of course I am!" she said. "I am…was unmarried! How dare you suggest that I wouldn't remain pure for my husband!"

"Heheheh."

"What is so funny?"

"Nothing. It's just gonna hurt and I really don't think Nerull will be gentle with you," smirked Zyphre.

"How is that anyone's concern by my own, least of all yours?" asked Lydia coldly, folding her arms.

"It wasn't, I'm just inquisitive," said Zyphre.

"Just be quiet and show me around the castle," said Lydia. "If I'm going to live here, I might as well know where everything is."

"Where do you think you get off ordering me around?" asked Zyphre rather angrily.

"If you don't take me, I'll explore by myself," said Lydia. "And how would Nerull react if he found me wandering the castle alone, likely lost, without you after he gave you a direct order to be my body guard?"

"…Well played, wench," said Zyphre after a pause. "Come on."

Lydia followed him happily. "So, I have a question."

"I might have an answer."

"This is the castle of the god of death," said Lydia. "So…am I dead?"

Zyphre laughed. "No, I assure you you're as alive as I am."

"You're a vampire."

"You're observant."

"Vampires aren't alive. So am I dead or not?"

Without warning, Zyphre pushed her up against the wall, his fangs brushing over her jugular, applying pressure but not biting down. He only released her when she let out a small whimper of fear. She fell to the ground, holding her throat.

"Why would you do that!" she demanded.

"Tell me, is your heart pounding in terror so hard it feels like it will escape from your chest?" asked Zyphre.

"Yes," said Lydia shakily.

"Then you're alive," said Zyphre. He laughed and kept walking.