Special Note: I watched the movie Van Helsing today with the English subtitles to see how the dwarves of Dracula were called; I hope that this is the correct word. "Dwergers"or Dwerger"

Irena is alone in the parlor; she can't escape, because Dracula's "dwergers" are protecting all the exits. She doesn't know what to do, but suddenly, she feels a presence in the room, she turned around, and she finds Aleera.

-------------"What do you want?

-------------"I want you to finish what you started

-------------"You mean, what I said about your past?

-------------"Yes.

Finally, Irena finds a way to escape. She can use Aleera as a freedom door.

-------------"I will open you eyes to the truth, your truth. But I want something in return.

-------------"Something in return?

-------------"I want your help; I don't want to be a vampire nor a new bride. Help me to get out of here and I will tell you the truth about your past.

Aleera knows that is a risk, if she helps Irena her master will be very angry. But, she wants to know the truth; something tells her that she can trust in Irena's word.

--------------"Why you want to open my eyes to the truth? I am your enemy; I helped Marishka in the killing of your relatives, many times.

This was a low blow of Aleera, she is testing the girl. Irena is full of rage, but she can't fall apart, she needs Aleera to escape, so she must remain calm and follow her plan.

---------------"Aleera, you are the most innocent of the brides. They found you, the lied to you, they cursed you. And you just followed them, you learned to love them. But they destroyed you in a very cruel way.

Aleera is very interested in the words of Irena, she is curious about her past, her real past.

-------------"I think we have a deal Irena. But if this is a lie or a scam, I will drink until the last drop of your blood, understood?

--------------"Yes.

Meanwhile, in the village, Irena's father is very angry with Van Helsing and Carl, his only daughter is in the hands of the enemies and he points Van Helsing as the only responsible.

-------------"You are so useless Van Helsing! What kind of hunter are you, what kind of protector! You always put the people in danger.

-------------"Mr. Ninkovic, I will rescue your daughter, Dracula is not going to harm her until he finds a way to use her against me.

-------------"Anna Valerious died at your hands, because you weren't able to protect her. I will not let the same happen to my only daughter. I want to be with you in the rescue, I don't trust you Van Helsing, this is about my daughter's life.

Carl is in the middle of the two men, he can feel the tension between them and he knows that this is the moment to bring peace in times of war.

-------------"Gentlemen, I think that we don't have time to lose, we cannot concentrate in fighting between us; we must build a plan to rescue Irena. She is in the house of the enemy, she is in real danger and she needs us together.

Nicholas Ninkovic and Van Helsing agree with the words of Carl.

--------------"We will work together Mr. Ninkovic, I will brought her back.

--------------"With my help of course.

In Castle Dracula, Lillith has a private conversation with Marishka.

--------------"Marishka, you have a wonderful talent. You are the bravest of the brides. Verona is wise and maternal and Aleera is like wild child. But you my darling, you should have been my daughter.

---------------"Thank you, my queen.

---------------"But I am worried, I need a proof of your loyalty, my dear.

---------------"A proof?

Lillith shows a little crystal bottle to Marishka, there is a black liquid inside the bottle.

------------"Do you know what this is?

-------------"No, my queen.

-------------"This is werewolf venom.

Marishka is very scared and impressed with that.

-------------"I will put your loyalty in test Marishka.

-------------"What are you talking about?

-------------"Irena must learn that we are the new power of this world, that this is not a game and more, she must know that she can't control you, she must see your power, the darkness of your soul. She must respect you, fear you. I want you to poison her father's blood with this venom. She wants to be Anna Valerious, well; she can start by killing her own father.

This is the most terrible plan she have ever heard. Even for her is an abomination. Marishka died once, she knows the pain of the underworld, she knows the agony of hell and she doesn't wish to return. If she does that, Van Helsing will never rest until he kills her again, and that is the worst of her fears.

Lillith can see the doubt in Marishka's eyes.

------------"Take it Marishka; obey me because I know what is the best for you.

Marishka takes the little crystal bottle, with the promise to obey her queen.

The night arise again, Aleera and Irena are in the village. The streets are empty; the people are hiding in their houses. Irena enters to her house with Aleera and together the walk towards a room, Irena's room.

------------"Well, you are free now even when I am putting my fangs in risk. Now is your turn to return me the favor.

Irena walks towards her table and takes two of Dracula's diaries.

-------------"This is the diary of Marishka, and this is yours. Read them, and you will find the truth.

-------------"Really?

-------------"Marishka was part of my family and she destroyed it, I tried to forgive her but she is blind and deeply cursed by Dracula. They cursed you too, but in a very different way. The woman who saved you, instead of protect you and giving you a chance to be a real person, a real woman with hopes, dreams, illusions, and the privilege of being a true mother, turns you into a monster. The truth is in the pages of these diaries, read them, and you will believe me.

Aleera takes the diaries with trembling hands. But she will read them, she is brave and she knows that she have the strength to face the truth.

Will Continue…