Melancholia

by LadyArmster

Joachim was once human. A proud young nobleman, his fall into vampirism came at a high price. However, his unwillingness to accept his fate was more than Walter bargained for.

31. Chapter 31: Sara

Upon his return, Joachim set the basket beside the sofa on the floor and waited for Sara to awaken. The lady slept soundly during his absence, and remained exactly where he had left her. Sara lay on her side; her eyes were closed and the long ivory skirt of her dress hung like drapery over the edge of the sofa, ethereal even in rest. Her head lay upon one of the sofa's feathery pillows, whilst her chest rose and fell in a slow, even rhythm. The moment he reappeared with the basket, Sara's eyes slowly opened and gazed at him in wonderment. Once she was certain of his presence, her hand weakly reached out for him, and her faint voice broke the silence.

"Joachim, you are here…"

"Of course I am." A tiny smile creased his lips and he ushered to the woven basket on the floor. As gently as he could, he slipped his arm behind her back and aided her in sitting up. The lady's thick hair tumbled down her back and exposed the delicate curve of her neck. He eyed it warily, and was careful not to let himself draw too near. "You seem tired and hungry; I hope these provisions will suffice."

Sara returned his smile. "Thank you, Joachim. A nightmare awoke me, and I doubt I shall sleep soundly in Eternal Night."

He sat down next to her upon the sofa, leaving a small space between them, and rummaged through the basket. After a moment, he withdrew one of the strange eggplant-shaped bottles and held it up, allowing her to catch the blue liquid's sweet aroma. "I am uncertain how much of an effect it will have, but an old man gave it to me with the intention of helping you. Perhaps, this will improve your condition."

"I am truly grateful. Forgive me for asking, but I must know…why do you help me?" Sara leaned forward and touched his hand once again, the warmth of her skin contrasting his icy coldness. Though her words were soft, a twinge of unease was detectible in her voice. "If Walter discovered your kindness, surely, he would be angry and punish you terribly! The thought of harm befalling you on my account-"

"Let me deal with Walter." His pale eyes narrowed as he considered her warning, and subsequently ignored it. Without hesitating, he pressed his index finger upon her lips, his voice lowering as he replied. "If I am correct, his attention is focused upon preparing for Baron Belmont's arrival. Enough talk about such details; you must drink this and regain your strength. If it is not to your liking, the old man included some food as well, which should last until the Baron's arrival." He pressed the bottle to her lips and gently tilted it until she emptied it of its contents. Upon drawing it away, he looked at her closely, and noticed that a bit of color returned to her cheeks. When he was certain she showed some improvement, he searched through the contents in the basket and withdrew the remaining two potions Rinaldo had given him. Very carefully, he hooked the bottles to the waist belt beneath his robes, determined to keep the valuable concoctions with him in case she required another again later. Once the bottles were secure, his attention returned to her, and he asked gently. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel…somewhat refreshed, now." Sara's eyes brightened. Her face regained much of its former vivacity. The graceful curves of her cheeks seemed to tint a shade of crimson under her pale guardian's gaze. "A nice walk may help me recover my strength. This theatre is so beautiful; I would not mind seeing it, if you will escort me?"

"You should rest a bit longer," Joachim was unwilling to compromise until her condition improved. Despite her renewed enthusiasm, her pale skin emphasized her fragile appearance. Knowing she might object, he drew a tentative breath, and looked at her in concern. His fine lips drew a frown, whilst he leaned forward, the silver steel lining his armor glinting in the candlelight and contrasting against his robes' deep indigo hue. His ivory white skin, hair, and elaborate clothing, gave him an unsettlingly morbid appearance, like a mourner attending a funeral. "You said you awoke from a nightmare?" He asked.

Sara's smile abruptly faded, and she turned her head away. Her beautiful countenance seemed to be overwhelmed by grief, and her voice weakened once again. "Yes…I dreamed that Leon was turned into…into…"

"What I am?" He could tell by her despondent expression that his perceptiveness was more accurate than she expected. A grimace creased the corners of her lips, whilst her chest heaved a grief-laden sigh. Despite her reluctance to answer him, Joachim's lips curled as a faint, red flicker reflected within his icy eyes.

"A vampire? An undead, unholy, wretched bloodsucking monster? That is what my kind are to humans, are they not?"

Almost pleadingly, she shook her head. Sorrow abruptly washed away her relief, like a shadow cast across the sun. "Leon was given a choice and accepted out of despair. I fear for not only his life, but his soul as well. My own life is of no consequence."

Joachim's eyes widened, and before he realized his own actions, he bolted from the sofa and whirled to face her. His slender form trembled, whilst he paced back and forth in front of her, his hands clenching into fists. The creature's fine lips parted to expose his gleaming incisors, and a red flicker appeared in his eyes. His voice, once calm, was twisted by fury. "Enough! As long as you remain with me, you are mine to watch over and protect! If the Baron is unable to save you, I-"

"Please, don't be angry!" Sara gasped. "Forgive me; I did not tell you about Leon and I in detail. If you are willing to listen, allow me to explain."

"Very well," With a huff, the young nobleman seated himself next to her on the sofa once again. The dim candlelight cast strange shadows across his ivory face, and gave him a somewhat unsettling appearance. Despite his regal attire, bestial fierceness lurked within his eyes. More than he realized, he did not want to hear her talk about Baron Belmont. However, his desire to comfort her overcame his aversion of the topic. He gave her an apologetic look and reluctantly obeyed her request. "I-I did not intend to frighten you. It has been some time since I engaged in human conversation; and my etiquette is sorely lacking. Please, tell me about Baron Belmont."

Sara returned his agreement with a congenial smile. Nevertheless, she seemed to sense a pain within him, for her eyes lingered upon him for a long time. However, despite her concern, she did not persist. Joachim felt his face pale when she released a quiet sigh, her voice softening as she began. "My father bought and sold land for the Belmonts, who were among the wealthiest and most respected families in Germany. When I turned seventeen, my father decided that I should be employed as a servant for the Belmonts...in secret, of course. It may seem unconventional, but my father was an honest man, who wished to instill humility within me. He told me stories of countless heiresses who spent their family's fortune frivolously; driving their once powerful line into destitution because of their pride and gluttony. For a time, I served the Belmont family, and was content with living modestly. Though a servant, the Belmont family treated me with kindness and dignity, and allowed me to care for their horses. I was happy there, but missed my own family terribly. My loneliness must have shown, for it seemed to make their only son – Baron Belmont – acquire an interest in me."

Joachim could hardly believe what he had just heard, or the image of Sara donned in the simple garb of a household servant. Everything about her depicted a fragile beauty that he feared would be lost. Sara had experienced and seen far more than her innocence revealed. The idea of her scrubbing floors, making beds, and brushing horses, made a slow, gentle smile cross his ashen lips. However, her remarkable account of life before Eternal Night reminded him that her life was very distant from his own. Joachim refused to allow such dark thoughts to overwhelm him and allowed her to continue.

Sara adjusted the folds of her long skirt, her eyes brightening whilst the sweetness of her voice filled his ears. "I thought I had developed my disguise as a servant perfectly in both speech and appearance. However, Leon eventually uncovered the fact that, in truth, I was a noblewoman. I feared he would be angry for guising as a servant, but he assured me that my rather…unconventional actions did not offend him and allowed me to continue serving his family. Leon's honor and gentility instilled great esteem within all who met him, including myself. I had never met a man of such virtue and benevolence until I spoke with Baron Belmont; his sense of humor and wit captivated me completely. Our meetings thereafter were infrequent, due to my supposed inferior position and his obligations to the crusades in the East. My father eventually summoned for my presence home. I was obligated to obey him and resigned my position."

"A fortnight after my return, Leon sent a letter requesting to visit our estate to sell a parcel of land to my father. Despite the brevity of our meetings, Leon was gracious and kind; he found great pleasure accompanying me on afternoon walks, and thought my love for horseback riding was endearing. He remained with my family for three months time, and sought out my company whenever he could. Shortly before his departure, he asked my father for my hand, because he believed that my modesty and goodwill won his heart. Leon's honorable status with the church inclined my father to accept his proposal. My mother was elated by the news of our engagement, and began wedding preparations almost immediately afterward. However, Leon was summoned to the East, and the date of our marriage was delayed until his return. He wrote to me often; his letters revealed his gracious affection and unbroken courage.

"Battle wearied him, but he said that returning to me gave him renewed hope at finding peace within himself. I believe he feared that, without love, a part of him would be lost to the violence and death of war. Months passed before I saw him again, though the circumstances were grave, for it was shortly after the death of Lord Cronqvist's wife. The church required Leon to return to the East without his trusted friend, and his letters seemed more serious and lonely than before. He often wrote about his growing concern for Lord Cronqvist's ailing health, and of his longing to see me as soon as he was able. I remember…he wrote in his letter of finding something unusual – a flower growing in the middle of the desert sands. He said it was difficult to believe something so fragile and beautiful existed among the barren, violent lands of the east. The flower comforted him somehow, and he enclosed it in the letter – it was dried, and pressed flat, but its beauty stirred my deepest affection."

Sara hesitated to smile. Tears threatened to build in her eyes, but her thoughts seemed to focus upon the vampire beside her, who had barely moved during her speech. When she fell silent, he sought to address the wavering he sensed within her when she explained her memories of Leon. Though her reflections unveiled the depth of her attachment to the Baron, her eyes lingered upon him for a long time. Joachim could feel her trying to see beyond the steely surface of his pale eyes, like an angel awaiting a prayer. Joachim was immobilized by the magnetism of her sanguine gaze, and when he responded, his question threatened to unveil his thoughts.

"You do not love him?" He asked, catching himself when he realized the abrupt manner in which he had broached the subject.

Sara hesitated, her eyes blinking at him in surprise, until she reluctantly answered."I do not know him…at least, I sometimes feel that is true. Our engagement has lasted over a year and we seldom see one another. I wonder why he fell in love me…and yet…"

"It seems like a story from a fairytale," The vampire mused. A faint smile returned to his lips and he looked away, knowing that 'class' was not an unfamiliar subject in his past. His pale eyes focused upon her once more as he continued softly. "I suppose, humility is a divine attribute, for so very few truly possess it. Many plays and books depict noble, tragic aristocrats…but I believe the most virtuous can also be those without wealth or status."

"Why do you think so?"

"During my darkest hours, my fellow aristocrats labeled me a worthless invalid, while a kind soul – with neither a title or penny to her name – selflessly cared for me. I owed her more than I could have ever have repaid in gold."

"Oh, Joachim…I did not know…"

"Are you feeling stronger?" He asked, purposely changing the subject. When Sara nodded, he continued. "Let us walk to the theater, then. If you wish…take my arm, and I shall escort you."

They began walking in silence, and Joachim kept his swords at the ready. He was not so much concerned about the skeletons and ghostly knights floating about the rooms they passed through, for he knew the demon that lurked in the theater was far more devious. His eyes narrowed at the fact when they passed floating ghosts clad in dark purple cloaks. Sara did not even look up or bat an eyelid in fear despite the huge bloodied cleavers clutched in their hands. Her lack of attention inclined him to remain vigilant in case the monsters and spirits had ill intentions toward his human companion. Initially, Sara grasped onto his arm as they wandered throughout the empty theater, calmly listening to its faint, unseen voices singing from somewhere far away. As they strolled down one of the theater's candlelit corridors, he felt her hand slip gently down his arm until her warm, delicate fingers intertwined with his. For a moment, his eyes widened, and his lips parted to speak but only silence escaped them. Sara's crystalline eyes appeared at peace, and her lips lifted into a smile as her head lowered. Tendrils of her dark russet colored hair partly veiled her fair visage. The closeness between them resembled Apollo and Cyrene – for his immortal, dignified grace simultaneously opposed and complimented her mild, human loveliness.

They entered a wide, rectangular shaped room covered by a dark red carpet. Tall windows lined the furthest wall and allowed streams of pale moonlight to filter across the floor. The theater's elegance fascinated Sara, for her child-like wonderment of the theater emphasized her innocent view of the night. Eternal Night, in all its terrifying glory, enchanted the young woman completely. Her love of the castle inspired him to appreciate its refined elegance, vast arched ceilings, and elaborate architecture. He allowed her to distance herself from him so that she could explore the space, her bright spheres alighting with interest until a mask of dread veiled her excitement. The woman's face paled upon sighting a large, black beast padding toward them.

"Joachim, what is that?" Sara's eyes widened when guttural growls vibrated from its throat.

Immediately, the pale youth drew her back by his side, whilst he observed the source of her fear.

"It's nothing." Joachim summoned his swords. The five blades broke their alignment behind his back and began to encircle them both. The young man's pale eyes narrowed whilst his lower lip curled into a sneer. He had been waiting for a fight, though as always, the monsters in Walter's castle were of little influence. "Pathetic beast," he chided. "I will cut it to pieces! Just watch, Sara. You have nothing to fear."

"Must you harm it?" Sara grasped his arm in an attempt to pull him away. "Do not cause needless suffering, Joachim. Please, leave it alone, we can explore elsewhere-"

"No." The vampire held up a hand, his eyes alighting with a strange, fiery delight as he swept in front of her, blocking her when she attempted to step outside the barrier of his whirling swords. "This creature would rip you apart without hesitation. Why spare its wretched life when its sole purpose is to kill…not unlike my own?"

"I do not think killing is your only purpose," Sara persuaded. "It is dishonorable to take the life of something weaker than you are. Even monsters can feel pain…and killing them for sport will merely pull you deeper into this accursed life. Please, do this animal no harm, for did I not spare your life?"

"Please?" The youth chuckled, giving her a condescending look whilst the beasts drew nearer. "I will do whatever I like. How many men have died because of this creature? I am certain if you knew, you would think otherwise. You are naïve and inexperienced-"

"And you are a better man than this, Lord Armster."

"Sara, this is not a dog-"

"Who are you to judge what should live and what should die?" She folded her arms across her chest and turned away. Locks of thick, dark brown hair veiled her face and prevented him from seeing her expression. "Do as you will," she whispered. "But I shall not look upon such cruelty."

Though he knew not why, something inside him broke at the thought that he would repulse such innocence. With a trembling hand, he brushed aside strands of his silky white hair and swept forward, determined to believe that her pleas were due to ignorance. A woman like her had no concept of what it was like to live among the creatures of the night. With a frustrated sigh, he summoned his central sword to float above him, his eyes tinting a shade of red in challenge. The massive blade pointed forward, ready to strike whatever his thoughts commanded.

The creature resembled a large dog with a heavy spiked collar secured around its neck. It was lean and agile, with sharp pointed ears and ferocious canine teeth. Gold swirling patterns were faintly visible in its glossy jet-black fur. Though he did not wish to remember, words echoed through his mind whilst he reasoned against the insatiable desire to kill. If he so much as wished it, he could abandon Sara to the merciless, raging beast and watch her die. Yet, his throat constricted at the thought of any harm befalling her. The woman's disappointment stung his heart like a thousand bees. Would she truly believe he was cruel if he did not spare the creature's wretched life? The soft glint in Sara's eyes made him wince. All at once, her dark brown hair transformed into thick, black ringlets…

Do not harm humans. Protect them, for they are weaker than you are...

When the creature lunged forward to attack, he seized it by its collar. The fiend barked and snapped at him with its powerful jaws, exposing rows of gleaming white incisors. However, instead of finishing it with his swords, his mind pinned it against the floor. It seems, I have been convinced…not to slay you, after all. The creature struggled to free itself, the sharp nails on its paws shredding the carpet whilst it snarled threateningly, willing to lunge at him if his hold so much as slipped for a moment. Saliva dripped from the canine's gaping mouth as it howled and snarled for freedom. The beast's hind legs and forepaws were lean, powerful, and capable of bringing down a creature twice its size.

"Joachim?" Sara called out, and during her approach, the long flowing skirt of her dress swept behind her. "I thought you wanted to kill this poor beast? Do not torture it-"

"I have no intention of torturing it." His eyes lingered upon the clawing and snapping creature subdued under his grip. The canine was much larger than he expected. "Get back!" He ordered, flitting a glance in Sara's direction when the hound nearly freed itself. The creature lunged at his face, aiming for his throat, and narrowly missing it when he jerked his head back. "If you happen to have some treats on hand, that would be helpful, or perhaps I shall use the pearls adorning your hair to play a game of fetch?" He gave her a sarcastic, though somewhat playful, smile.

Sara returned his smile with her own, her eyes brightening as he fought to restrain the howling and snapping creature.

"Poor thing. That collar on his neck is far too tight, tis' no wonder he is unhappy." She stepped forward, extending her hand, before the pale youth anxiously waved her away.

"Don't approach!" Joachim snapped, shooting a sharp glare upon her. "I am certain you would not be so empathetic if it bit off your hand."

Despite the coldness in his voice, her concern was legitimate. Streams of thick red blood trickled down the creature's neck and chest. With a reluctant sigh, he increased the force of his thoughts upon the beast until it was restrained enough for him to release his hold. The creature remained pinned against the floor, its dark eyes glowing a shade of crimson as it clawed and snapped at the pale young man standing before it.

"It might be kinder to put it out of its misery-"

"Joachim!" Sara's voice became firm. Without hesitating, she swept closer, ignoring his startled gasp, and looked him directly in the eye. "You have proven you are capable of far greater deeds than this. I do not want you to be lost to the curse…please, do it no harm."

Joachim gazed at her for a long time, eyes fixated upon the woman's delicate face. Sara cupped her hands in front of her and pursed her lips, her bright blue spheres blinking at him in the room's dim candlelight. Somehow, her voice calmed him.

After drawing a sharp breath, he returned his attention to the growling and snapping creature, his voice lowering when he at last conceded to her request. "As you wish…"

Forcing something to remain immobile against its will took great effort. His mind began to ache from the exertion and there was little time to deliberate. He carefully grasped the stunned beast by its collar while avoiding the encasement's steel spikes. Despite immobilizing the wolf, he never underestimated it. Strong muscles rippled beneath the hound's shoulders, neck, and legs. Subduing even one of its kind was a challenge in itself. Once he was certain that it could not attack, he examined its collar. The collar was crafted from of an unidentifiable thick metallic substance, which appeared impossible to remove. Deep gouges in the creature's forepaws indicated it had spent a great deal of time trying to wrench it off. "This creature attacked out of fear. Whatever placed that collar around its neck intended to cause it pain."

Sara gave the brute – as well as the vampire – a sympathetic look. "Not everything is as it seems. Perhaps, the monsters inside this castle suffer just as much as their master does."

"Suffer, Walter?" Joachim raised an eyebrow, barely restraining the urge to laugh. "I hardly think so. Rather, he must be sitting upon his throne as always, eager to play another game. Bored, perhaps, but I would hardly say he issuffering."

The young woman looked away, and all at once, sorrow overwhelmed her. "All I wished to say was that perhaps, the Ebony Stone is to Walter, like the collar to this dog – a terrible, painful burden…"

Joachim scoffed, casting her another glare. "How is power burdensome? If the Ebony Stone were mine, I would obtain great pleasure from torturing that arrogant bas-"

"What would that achieve? Except prove you are just as much a tyrant as he is."

Joachim cast a sullen glance before resuming his task, muttering under his breath. "You sound like someone I once knew." He looked away, refusing to surrender more, for he feared that he was becoming too attached to his human prisoner. She did not belong to the night, for even keeping her in his presence was precarious. He grimaced and refused to give in to the terrible, lingering thirst burning in his throat like fire. As long as he kept his distance from Sara, he would allow no harm to befall her. It was inevitable that the red-haired lord would come to claim her…and it frightened him to know he was uncertain whether he would be willing to relinquish Walter's prize so easily.

The moment she saw him wince, her voice softened, and she placed a hand upon his shoulder. Her very touch, which was slow and gentle, made him shrink away as memories threatened to break his solemn mask. "Despite your effort to hide it from the world, you were human once."

"Yes, I was." He whispered but found himself unable to look at her in the eyes. "It seems so long ago. I am human no more, Sara, and you best remember that. The thirst is inescapable. Even now, I must use all of my willpower to quell the temptation. The more time we spent together, the greater the risk that I might…do something…unthinkable…" He bit his lower lip, fighting back the painful memories when they threatened to resurface. The past would follow him like a shadow. He could not – and would not – forget the terrible things he had done. "Who I was is of no importance. Never forget what I am; it will cost you your life if you do."

"Don't believe such despairing thoughts." Sara whispered.

To his relief, the growling and snarling beast distracted them from further conversation. His mind was growing tired of restraining it and he had to act quickly. The vampire began to loosen the beast's collar with his powers. He focused upon the collar's metallic surface, feeling its smooth, hard texture, and commanding it to pull away from the creature's bleeding neck. After a few tense moments of concentration, the collar slowly widened until it no longer pressed into the wolf's flesh, but hung loosely round its neck. With an exasperated sigh, he released his hold upon the beast.

Within seconds of releasing it, the canine shifted form and melted into an oil-like pool on the ground. He watched the ink-like substance move across the floor, its black gooey texture contrasting against the theatre's ornate gold carpet. Joachim darted toward Sara, keeping close to her, whilst the pool slid away from them across the floor. "That was the best I could do," he began as Sara stared at the moving shape. "We should leave before it tries to attack-"

"I do not believe that is its intention." She replied. "If it wanted to attack us, it would have tried to after you released it."

"Let us hope you are right," The vampire muttered under his breath, giving her a discerning look before his attention reverted to the inky pool that had once resembled a wolf-like canine.

Although it was a short distance away, he maintained his guard. He was tempted to encircle Sara with his swords, but he relented long enough to give the woman the benefit of the doubt. His fine, white lips drew a sharp breath when the young woman advanced toward the pitch-black mass on the floor, which reflected the room's ambient candlelight upon its surface like water. Sara bowed her head and kneeled upon the floor, the ivory skirt of her dress flowing around her as she beckoned for the animal to approach. The softness of her voice seemed to ease the creature's fear of them, for upon hearing her speak, the puddle moved toward her and shifted form. The mysterious liquid constructed the figure of a lean, shorthaired wolf once again. Sara's eyes widened, her lips releasing a gasp of amazement upon watching a living, breathing animal shed its inorganic disguise. The wolf's luminous black eyes stared at them and its sleek form padded slowly forward.

Joachim's pale eyes blazed, whilst his lips parted and exposed the pearly whites of his fangs. Sara's compassion failed to quell his detest for the creature. He saw Sara look at him over her shoulder, her cerulean blue eyes widening with growing apprehension, not of the wolf, but of him. The realization made him hesitate, and his once confident disposition melted into shame. He abruptly broke their gaze, feeling his chest constrict as he considered the callousness of his judgment. Every moment she spent within Eternal Night, he feared for her as though her life, like a contract, belonged to him only. Though fear seeped within his pale eyes, his head lowered, and he retreated into his own thoughts. He did not move until the shadowy beast was so close that, if he wished, he could reach out and touch it. The animal's dark eyes focused upon him intently, before a soft, high pitch whine escaped its throat and it lowered itself onto the ground before him.

"It means us no harm." Sara kneeled beside the creature and allowed it to sniff her.

When it showed no aggression, her hand gently stroked its head. The animal continued to whine until the vampire consented to scratch it behind the ear. Joyous laughter escaped Sara's lips at the sight, whilst her tender gaze lingered upon the vampire admiringly, her voice softening.

"I think wishes to accompany us...perhaps you could give it a name, Joachim? You are its master now."

"If you insist; I did not associate a great deal with Walter's creatures, and you best refrain as well. Some of the monsters are mindlessly violent, and if you were to stray far from me, would kill you instantly."

Joachim was perplexed by the creature's curious attachment to him, but he did not object to Sara's wishes, for he would deny her nothing.

The creature's presence seemed to comfort her, and when she blessed him with her smile, he bowed his head in agreement. He drew the creature's attention with his voice and thoughts. Guard Lady Trantoul with your life. If I am absent or unable to protect her, ensure that she is safe. Watch over her and let none who intends harm near her, my faithful pet. When the creature's eyes met his, he turned and led her out of the room, whistling for their unusual companion to follow.

"Come, Sabooro." The black shape obediently trotted after them until it melted into the floor. Its ability to assume both a liquid and solid form seemed to amuse Sara, who playfully chased it until it assumed its wolf-like construction and greeted her with low, dog-like barks.

When they resumed their walk, he felt less alone. Within the vast halls of the castle's grand theatre, he felt a sense of nostalgia, for theatre's aesthetic loftiness vaguely reminded him of Armster Manor. A smile returned to his face as he walked with her in contended silence, secretly adoring her ability to find splendour in all things like someone he knew long ago, whom his heart still lamented. Within his mind, he began to picture the sounds of their quiet laughter defying the theatre's sullen loneliness. In the candlelight, her illustrious blue eyes seemed to glow brighter than all the stars in heaven. The intensity of his gaze drew her to him once more, and upon feeling her awareness of him, he slunk into the shadows. It was not until Sara's hand enclosed around his that he realized she had the ability to draw him back into the light.

The softness of her voice, her hand, and her words, soothed him like no other. A warm smile spread across Sara's lips when their eyes met, and her voice unveiled a profound sorrow, despite her professed contentment. "Joachim, even though you are a vampire, I do not think of you as such. What purpose is there in dwelling upon differences? You may not believe me, but I am glad you are with me. When we are together my soul feels at ease. I have never confided in anyone as completely as I have with you, and I am truly grateful."

"You are grateful?" He whispered, his eyes widening.

The contrast between them was so apparent, and so very troubling, that he scarcely believed her words. The pale creature paused a moment to catch himself, his pale eyes lingering upon her for a long moment until he continued softly.

"I just…want you to know…how much I respect you, Sara. And that I…" The idea of her adoring him - and wanting his companionship – was dangerously enticing. After drawing a breath, a slight smile played across his ashen lips, and he veiled his thoughts behind the curtains of his lush, shoulder-length white hair. The words he wished to speak were caged inside his throat.

As if carried off by the wind, his words drifted away. Sara's hand tightened around his. Her smile veiled her response as they became lost within the silence that followed.

---

Before long, they arrived within the room containing the theater's deserted stage. As if ready for a play to begin, the stage's red velvet curtains were drawn and bright lights illuminated its wood-planked floorboards. Numerous candles adorning the chandeliers above the stage were alit and cast a warm glow throughout the room. Sara dashed across the entrance's elaborate red Persian rug, her footsteps barely audible as she cupped her hands in front of her and looked up to admire its lavish balconies. "The stage in this theater is fit for royalty!" She exclaimed, barely able to withhold her excitement as the vampire followed close behind, his ghostly white face gleaming in the candlelight. His eyes swept the room carefully, noting that its quiet ambiance had remained undisturbed since their arrival. While she explored the open area in front of the stage, his thoughts focused upon the five swords aligned behind him - waiting for the demon to acknowledge their arrival.

The shape-shifting wolf followed at Sara's heels. When the lady came within a few feet of the balconies above, low growls sounded from its throat before it snatched the ivory skirt of her dress in its mouth and tugged against it. Sara spun around, her blue eyes widening in surprise.

"What is the matter Sabooro?" She bent down to pet the beast, whilst its growls increased and the jet-black fur upon its back bristled.

Tension ran through his body as he approached the balconies. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the scantily clad figure of the succubus perched on the centermost balcony, her back leaning against a supporting column whilst one of her feet dangled lazily over the banister.

"What are you doing here?" Joachim hissed under his breath, his pale eyes glaring at the unwelcome seductress.

Without awaiting the concubine's response, he darted closer to Sara, and allowed the swords to circle slowly around him and the young woman. As soon as he sighted her, Sara ceased petting the wolf and straightened, her dainty lips parting in surprise.

A coy smirk spread across the harlot's lips. As if animated by the fires of hell, her eyes flickered. "It's good of you to return and pay me a visit, Joachim! I see that you brought a female companion with you tonight, as well. Although she might add a bit of fun, I am more than enough for you. I was hardly finished when you succumbed to my pleasures during our last unforgettable get together…"

"I don't understand your meaning, demon, nor do I care for you to explain!" The white-haired youth lied, his eyes blazing furiously upon her seductive form.

The sound of the Succubus' bold, haughty voice recalled vague memories within his mind that he could not decipher clearly. The only thing he remembered was the pain of her talons digging into his naked backside, the hotness of her breath, and the cold, sting of her velvety lips covering his own. The images caused violent shudders throughout his body, whilst his shoulders sank back, and he turned away from the reminder of his moral debauchery. The creature speaking to him was not a woman, but a devil that had preyed upon him like a vulture. Humiliation resonated across his face. Upon noticing Sara's concern for him, he whirled to face the harlot, and covered his shame behind a mask of exasperation.

The vampire's smooth lips curled into a reproachful sneer. "The lady is Walter's guest, and I doubt very much he would be pleased if you caused her any physical…discomfort."

The demon's loud, presumptuous laugh rang across the room. Her long, thin fingers toyed with a lock of her sleek golden hair. Promises of sensual pleasure emanated from her perfectly sculpted figure, though danger lurked like a shadow within her eyes and threatened to undermine her fabricated beauty.

"How could you forget?" She retorted. "Oh, Joachim, you are even more gorgeous when you scold me like that. If you think you have what it takes, I might just let you teach me a lesson-"

A wicked smile crossed her ruby lips as her bat-like wings outstretched around her. One of her elegant hands began to untie the trusses securing the front of her bodice, while she waved a finger and ran her tongue across her gleaming white enamels.

"I'd apologize for ruining your heartwarming moment, if the idea of entertaining you wasn't so deliciously tempting!"

The demon did not move from her perch, nor give any indication of losing interest, despite the blatancy of his disrespect. Instead, she leaned over the balcony to catch a better view of Sara's face.

"Were you going to bite this little nymph before or after you took her innocence? Either way could work, I suppose." The succubus gave a tiny wink as a swirl of red rose petals spiraled under the control of an unseen wind. "If you didn't come here to play, at least entertain me! I get so bored sitting around all the time like this. Walter will be displeased I did not wait for that ridiculous bell to ring again, but oh well…I'll make it up to him, later." She shrugged, and with a mischievous wink, seated herself in one of the balcony's luxurious chairs.

"Leave us!" He was unconvinced by her submission, since there was only one thing a Succubus desired. Unless he consented to her, her appetite was insatiable and dangerous. Many had fallen to her charms in the past, to the point that he could almost smell memories of human blood staining the stage's worn floorboards completely red. More tragedies than comedies were acted out in the theater, and its ghostly songs alluded to its blood-stained history. Tension surged through his body, and he ignored the demon's deceivingly innocent facade.

"Your presence irritates me, and I will not risk you forcing yourself upon either of us-"

"Joachim," Sara leaned close and whispered in his ear, glancing from him to the female demon sitting in the balcony high above. "If she is in actuality a Succubus, she will do me no harm…I think…"

"What do you mean?" He gave her an incredulous look, his pale eyes narrowing. "She would copulate with anything!"

"That may not be so," The young woman shook her head, the locks of her dark brown hair falling gracefully against her fair cheeks as she continued. "A priest warned me about these demons so that I would protect my chastity. According to legend, Succubus visits men during their sleep, while its male counterpart – Incubus – preys upon women. I do not know if it is exactly as I have said, but I daresay…this Succubus seems far more interested in you than I."

Joachim did not object outright; for fear their unwanted host would overhear their conversation. The Succubus had not taken her eyes off him since she appeared. He considered the possibility of attacking the wretched demon as a precaution, but he could not risk injuring himself or getting Sara caught in the crossfire of his attacks. Although he was aware of the concubine's insatiable desires, his stomach churned in disgust. After a moment, his lithe form ascended the steps of the stage.

"Perhaps, you can be of use to me after all. I am in need of a volunteer…" He began, his dagger-like eyes focusing upon the intruder's deceptive features.

The demoness' luscious lips formed a smile and she abruptly rose from her seat, and made an exaggerated bow. "I will gladly be of service." Low bemused chuckles escaped her throat. Her leathery black wings lifted her up and she dove off the balcony, her demonic wings beating against the air until the soles of her feet skipped daintily across the stage. The creature's closeness prompted Joachim to back away, only to feel her arm slip behind his waist and pull him into her lethal embrace. He gasped when her other hand slipped across his pants.

The seductress' dexterous fingers began to pry at the fabric, and her lips covered his in a hungry kiss until he threw her against the wall. "Foolish harlot, that is not what I meant!" He snapped, feeling his cheeks grow hot as Sara looked upon the scene in a stunned silence. Without daring a glance at the young woman, he ensured a safe distance remained between him and the Succubus before continuing. "Stay where you are and do not move. If you do, I cannot guarantee you will remain in once piece afterward."

"Oh my, you like it rough, don't you?" The demon teased, while giving the vampire an obvious wink.

Joachim was not inclined to return her playful chitchat and turned away, hoping that she would not try to mount his backside. A tiny smirk creased the corners of his lips as he flicked back the tails of his indigo robes, his pale face taking on the color of snow under the glow of the candles illuminating the stage. The graceful lids of his eyes fluttered closed whilst he addressed her straightforwardly. "Spread your arms and legs."

"Well, at least you know what you want; I adore that about you. If you intend to take me in this position, the wall should provide excellent support-"

Sara's crystalline eyes widened, whilst her hands covered her mouth, and her voice resounded anxiously through the room. "Joachim, what you are doing?"

Alarm appeared upon her face, which drained of its former color. A wave of fear shadowed her as she stared up at him, verging on intervening, until the five blades accompanying him suddenly stilled behind his back. Without turning to look at the temptress, the vampire's swords rose up; their blades angling directly at the Succubus. A flash of metal reflected against the woman's eyes as the swords plunged toward the demoness and collided against the wall around her – missing her limbs by a nary a thread. If he had miscalculated in the slightest, his weapons would have succeeded in slicing the demon apart like a piece of fruit. Joachim slowly turned to admire the sight, his icy eyes gleaming with malicious enthusiasm upon noticing the Succubus' shocked expression.

"You wondered what I am capable of as a vampire, Sara. I thought a bit of target practice would amuse you."

"How rude!" The demoness huffed, eyeing the white-haired youth with a mixture of hatred and arousal. With a loud laugh, she turned around and blew a kiss, before bending over to expose the graceful contours of her partially exposed breasts. Somehow, in spite of his contempt, admiration overcame her irritation. "If you want to amuse me, come here, and grant me a taste of your delicious lips…"

Sara made a hesitant smile, however, and uncertainty lingered upon her face as she looked on at the sight. "Please do not cause her harm, Joachim." The lady stepped forward and cupped her hands together in front of her, her crystalline blue eyes focusing upon the pale youth intently. "I did not imagine that your telekinetic abilities could be so intuitive! Many people would give anything to have that kind of power. Yet, I wish it would not be used for ill, since power can corrupt the mind and heart…I pray you do not succumb to your thirst."

Joachim sensed that her curiosity toward him was growing. He had never tried to find genuine enjoyment from his powers. Of course, there were moments – dark moments – when his powers were undeniably satisfying. Memories of dying screams and bloodshed filtered through his thoughts until he banished them like curses. Sara had witnessed the extent of his violence, and he understood her reluctance to find amusement from his capabilities. He summoned the swords and watched them dislodge from the wall and return to their alignment behind his back.

His silvery white brow furrowed, and he shot the concubine a warning glare, hissing under his breath. "If you harm her, I won't miss next time."

The succubus shrugged, and tossed her golden hair over her shoulders. Feigning disappointment, the demoness' luscious lips formed a childish pout when she turned to face him. "Oh, and I was just beginning to think you were going to tie me up and try some other tricks. Apparently, this is my cue to leave?"

"Get out of my sight!" He snapped, ignoring her playful banter that was an all too familiar trait of her devious and fickle nature. He waited until she sighed and flapped her wings, her voice carrying across the room like a siren's song.

"As you wish, but don't expect me to be gone for very long! I so enjoyed our little romp, and expect you will reconsider when you tire of her weak, human body."

With a presumptuous laugh, a rush of wind swirled around her graceful figure until she vanished from sight. The only things that testified to her presence were red rose petals scattered across the stage in her wake.

Once he was certain she was gone, his attention returned to Sara, and his thoughts focused upon the stacks of chairs and sofas tossed against the wall near the entrance. His mind commanded one of the chairs to move. He lifted the object into the air, pulled it forward, and deposited it behind his unwary spectator. Joachim's pale eyes glinted as he swept a deep bow before her, the silken locks of his glossy white hair tumbling around his graceful features. Somehow, the remnants of his aristocratic past made him feel almost human.

"Please, sit down and rest." He began graciously, and his pale eyes lifted to look at her smooth, fair face.

Sara was still weak from lack of sleep. He watched her spin around to look at the chair behind her in surprise, and her eyes subsequently widened. "Did you…move that chair without my noticing?"

Without objecting to his offer, she seated herself upon it and adjusted the skirt of her dress. Her delicate lips formed an amused smile. The lady's canine companion devotedly sat down on the floor next to her chair, its dark eyes scanning the room for further sign of the seductress' presence. Joachim drew a breath whilst his eyes looked upon her, admiring the fact that her graceful, gentle nature resembled that of a saint. Her fair face seemed to glow in the candlelight, and her beauty seemed to rival that of an Elysium goddess. Yet, Sara's grace was not the suffocating image of perfection, but of a young woman whose perceived naivety veiled great wisdom.

"It is hard to believe vampirism is capable of bestowing such limitless abilities. How did you acquire your powers?" She asked, whilst intrigue appeared within her bright azure eyes.

"That I know not. I awoke, and realized I could move things with my thoughts, like so…"

The swords circled around him and twirled sideways, their dim greenish light casting a mysterious shadow across his ashen face. He could command the weapons to do whatever he wished. Even though vampirism had cost him dearly, he did obtain some amount of freedom from his powers. His lithe form walked toward the stages' side wall and sent a sword careening into the stone. The weapon hit the rock with a resounding clash of metal, until half of its long, rusting metallic blade was impaled within the stone. He leapt onto the flat edge of the sword and balanced himself on top of it, adjusting his stance until it supported his weight. With a low chuckle, he sent another sword careening into the wall slightly above and in front of the sword he stood upon. As if it were routine, he jumped onto the second sword, and balanced the metal soles of his boots on the blade. If he slipped, the edge of the sword was capable of injuring him greatly, though his levitating ability helped to stabilize him. Sara's eyes followed his movements, and her lips parted in amazement as the creature sent another blade into the wall in front and above him, though further apart than the last. With the dexterity of a sparrow, he flew from one sword to the next, and commanded the lower ones to dislodge themselves and impale higher and higher up the wall like stepping-stones. Within minutes, his indigo-clad form was over halfway up the room.

The tails of his long robes floated around him as he gazed upon Sara below; silently admiring her from a distance. "I suppose, there is some amusement to be had from these blades," he called, while the sharpness in his voice transformed into delight. "The view of the stage from this angle is rather nice. Balconies were so last century, anyway…"

The sound of Sara's laughter filled his ears. As if observing a grand performance, she clapped approvingly, and graced him with a smile. "I am envious of your talent, but please be careful! Unfortunately, heights are not something I have taken a liking to since I can remember. When I was nine years old, I tried climbing a tree to view the countryside…but the branch I climbed upon broke. I fell, tore my dress, and made my mother most unhappy!"

She continued to laugh, and it seemed then, like all the troubles within her heart and mind melted away. He wondered what other interesting things Sara had done in her life that he, in his illness, had been unable to do as a child. When he was human, if he imagined that he would acquire forbidden powers that enabled him to control swords, he would have dismissed it as pure fantasy…

The soles of his boots slid across the sword to its hilt, whilst he observed the open area in front him and summoned the four other blades to lay sideways in midair and line themselves across the center of the room. There was nothing to catch him if he fell, but since death was of no concern to him, his eyes focused upon the nearest sword. He wished that he had many interesting tales to tell Sara about his life, but his memories of his human self were not as easily decipherable as they once were.

"You sound like you were quite the adventurer as a child," he chuckled in spite of himself. "Someone I knew would have enjoyed those kinds of daring activities as well."

The white-haired youth leapt onto the nearest blade suspended midair above the center of the room. His steps upon the swords were almost cat-like in grace and dexterity, as he leapt across one sword to the next, his boots barely touching the weapons' metallic blades until he landed upon the sword lodged into the wall on the opposite side.

"How will you get down from there?" Sara called and leaned forward in her chair, her eyes locked upon him in utter amazement.

He could have descended the same way as he ascended, but that was far too predictable for his liking. It had been a long time since he practiced transfiguration, and although it stretched the limits of his telekinetic powers, he could not resist the opportunity completely. The young man focused his thoughts and tried to remember what it was like to be a bat. The sheer weightlessness of his tiny body, a cool breeze brushing against fragile wings, and once hidden sights and sounds exposed – presenting a breathtaking view of a once ordinary, silent night. He could feel himself beginning to change while his thoughts delved into the mind of his bat-self. Slowly, his arms dissolved into wings, while glossy white fur replaced his pale skin, and everything around him became suddenly larger and more imposing.

He heard Sara's voice from below, and despite her distance, his improved hearing made it seem like she was closer. "Joachim, what is happening?" Alarm filled her when a relatively small, white vampire bat, replaced the vampire standing upon the sword. Sara gazed at the creature in wonderment, her lips parting whilst she breathed. "Joachim, is that you? I heard vampires could become bats, but never did I imagine you could change form on a whim!"

It was difficult for him to smile as a bat, but he drew his lips awkwardly back, and exposed the needle-sharp points of his fangs. "Don't worry, it is I." he assured, and the tips of his large, furry ears swiveled back and forth, whilst his leathery wings unfurled around him to reveal frail skin stretched across delicate, arm-like appendages. With little effort, he shifted across the blade, and allowed his small body to swing upside down from its hilt. Oddly enough, the sight of his tiny white form matched the sword's decorative bat hilt as his outstretched wings prepared for flight.

"I did not mean to frighten you, Sara. Bat form is starting to come much more naturally to me than it used to."

When she continued to look at him in confusion, he realized that - to her - his voice resembled tiny shrill squeaks. The woman's stunned expression amused him greatly. His small, clawed feet released from the hilt and he felt a rush of wind sweep against him as he dropped toward the ground. Sara gasped, nearly leaping out of her chair to catch him, until he rolled and flapped his wings to stay airborne. Like a white blur, he flew into the air and circled above her. Sara's head tilted back, her light blue spheres gazing up at him while laughter sounded from her throat.

After a short while, he flew toward her, and landed upon the arm of her chair. His dark, bat eyes looked up at the young woman, whose petite figure seemed enormous by comparison. His ability to maintain himself as a bat began to wane, and a headache threatened to diminish his enjoyment. Sara scooped him into her hands, and held him up to catch a closer look of his bat form. At first, he did not know how to react to being lifted and held. His human mind could not fathom the idea, despite feeling sheltered by her tender, warm hands. The lady's childlike inquisitiveness revealed that his protruding fangs, upturned nose, large ears, and furry face seemed more so endearing than frightening.

Her delicate fingers combed his silky white fur. Her voice, despite its natural softness, sounded thunderous to his sensitive ears. "You look adorable as a bat! Bats are truly remarkable creatures; I do not believe all those cruel stories people tell about them. If I did not know better, I never would have imagined you were actually a vampire. How I wish I could see the world through your eyes, now."

"You are much too lovely to be a bat." As he expected, his voice sounded like the unintelligible, high-pitch squeaks of a bat instead of his own.

He was somewhat grateful she could not understand him, for his discomfort with his bat body was beginning to show. He released high pitch squeaks, which attracted the attention of her canine companion. The black wolf raised its head and pricked its ears forward. Upon sighting the bat, it brushed its nose across his furry chest with a low growl, sniffing the strange creature until it recognized the youth's familiar scent. His nose wrinkled when the dog's wide nostrils let out a puff of air in his face before it lost interest. Sara uncapped her hands, and his ivory white form swiftly flew away from her and landed upon the rug near the entrance.

Within seconds, he felt his wings shift into human arms, and stood upon the rug as his familiar, recognizable self once again. "I did not think you would find me adorable," he chuckled. "Most people despise bats."

"Most people despise that which they know little about," Sara's lips formed a gentle smile. "You have shown me that there is nothing to fear about them…or you."

He wanted to smile, but the sound of bold, loud applause broke the theater's peaceful silence. Shudders of alarm reaped through his body when his eyes quickly looked up at the theater's center balcony. Horror appeared across his once calm visage when his gaze fell upon the tall, menacing form of Walter standing in the balcony above. The vampire lord's eyes were locked upon him and Sara, and the moment he appeared, Sabooro lunged forward and released a series of loud barks and snarls. The creature's sleek black form stood between Sara and Walter while its opaque eyes stared intently at the intruder.

Coils of fiery red hair tumbled gracefully against the vampire lord's ashen cheeks and his lips formed a coy grin. An ominous glint reflected within Walter's starlit eyes, whilst his deep, resonating voice echoed through the room.

"That was a delightful little performance, Joachim." The vampire's amusement failed to conceal his condescending tone, which verged on the barest thread of fury. Walter tossed his head, his dark eyes glinting enigmatically in the room's soft light. "How kind of you to entertain our guest..."

A lump developed within Joachim's throat when he felt Walter's gaze focusing upon him as if to burn him with their intensity. Despite his unease, he returned the red-haired lord's implication with a cold glare, whilst Sara stood nearby – frozen in fear and disbelief.

"The pleasure was all mine, Walter." He replied, though his voice sounded fainter than he expected. "So good of you to join us. I was beginning to think you had forgotten about your guest."

"I had important preparations to make." Walter's voice lowered, whilst his dark eyes flitted briefly to Sara.

One of his gauntlet-covered hands lazily brushed the bang curtaining his right eye aside. When the lady's eyes met his, Walter made a short bow, the beautiful tendrils of his hair tumbling around his face and shoulders in silky, blood-colored wavelets. His very presence mesmerized and terrified the young woman, who barely moved when his rich, eloquent voice addressed her in a tone of practiced cordiality.

"You must be Lady Trantoul. I am the master of this castle – Walter Bernhard. I hope your stay has been enjoyable. It seems my servant has attended to you during my absence. How…thoughtful of him, indeed…"

Despite the clarity of her apprehension, Sara managed a reply. Her large, doe eyes gazed up at his tall, armored form, whilst the color drained from her face. Walter observed her with casual interest; the dark spheres of his eyes darted between her and the white-haired vampire as her voice, once soft, boldly resounded across the room.

"So, at last we meet. Your magnificent castle possesses all the grandeur of a king's domain. Why do you desire my presence, Lord Bernhard?"

"Why, for the pleasure of your company, of course." Walter answered. Whether it was due to his imposing form or the coldness in his voice, his words made the young girl shudder. A deep frown creased the corners of Sara's lips the moment his rich voice filled the silence. The red-haired vampire's eyes glinted, whilst he assured silkily. "You need not concern yourself, milady. You are here because I wanted you to be. It seems, a gallant knight shall be joining us soon, whom I am certain you are very well acquainted with."

"Leon!" Sara cried, and her voice strained. Nearly bounding forward, she covered her mouth with her hands in horror.

Pain washed across her beautiful face, whilst tears formed in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall in the vampire lord's presence. Terrible images attempted to distort her optimism, for her head lowered and her shoulders sank back. Her voice, once calm, trembled with fury.

"I shall gladly remain your prisoner in exchange for his safety. I lament the innocence that has been lost to your cruelty, Lord Bernhard!"

Joachim remained at a distance, his pale face a mask of cold indifference. Locks of silky white hair swept against his cheeks as his hard, piercing blue eyes remained locked upon Walter in a sullen silence. The sound of her sorrowful voice made an ache fill him. A sigh parted from Walter's lips when he shook his head, his eyes abruptly narrowing upon the young woman like a cat toying with a mouse.

The vampire lord's gauntlet-covered hand clenched into a fist. "Humans would call it cruelty," his voice lowered to a hiss. "Yet, your life is merely a blink in the eternal eye of time. You are a means to an end, Lady Trantoul, like so many other things. I am certain when Baron Belmont arrives, his efforts to save you will be greatly entertaining. At least, that is my expectation."

"What shall you do, should Leon survive to challenge you?" Sara frowned.

Walter swept his long cape around his armored form, his pale face, and crimson armor gleaming in the candle light. His elegant features and leisurely movements resembled a Roman emperor addressing a peasant. He leaned against the balcony and rested his chin in his hand, while his attention flitted from the young woman to the pale vampire – intensifying as he replied.

"I am anticipating that the Baron will, and we shall see if that comes to pass. Forgive my intrusion, Lady Trantoul, but my dear servant has been distracted for far too long. I assure you, milady, your ordeal shall end eventually."

The smile upon his lips broadened and he tossed his head, his lush crimson hair to cascading against his flawless cheeks.

"Is this how you treat all your guests, Lord Bernhard?" Sara asked. For the first time, Joachim saw Sara cast a scathing glare upon the vampire lord. "Has eternity lost so much of its splendor, that you must obtain pleasure through the destruction of others? Tis' an existence I am not envious of. I cannot look upon you, for fear that the devil himself is looking back-"

"Silence!" Joachim snapped, his pale eyes shooting daggers upon the young woman as he swept in front of her and towered over her delicate figure - prepared to snap her in half on a whim. He held up a hand. "Forgive her ignorance, Walter. It seems this wretched girl does not know her place. Should you see her again, I will ensure that she does."

Anger swept across the red-haired lord's face for a brief moment, as his attention focused upon Sara once again, before lifting to the white-haired vampire. For a moment, Joachim wondered if the vampire lord would chastise Sara for her boldness, and tension swept across his face when he looked up at Walter's displeased expression. The demon's lips curled and his dark eyes glinted with suppressed anger. To his surprise, Walter did not bother to address her again.

As if the young woman was insignificant, he gave Joachim a rigid nod, his voice acquiring a sudden harshness despite his composed facade. "Secure our guest. I require your presence, Joachim."

"If you insist," The youth replied, before giving the vampire lord a reluctant bow.

He detested submitting to Walter but refused to risk angering him further. Locks of ashen hair swept around Joachim's fine features and his pale eyes clashed against his lord's obscure, dark spheres, which did not lift from him for a moment. Even though he did not wish to leave Sara, his master's penetrating gaze and unusually irritable demeanor troubled him greatly. There was no telling what Walter was capable of if he was bored, hungry, and aggravated. He whirled to face Sara once again and knocked her back with the force of his mind. The young woman fell back onto the floor with a cry, and her wide, blue eyes fled from him to the floor. Curtains of thick brown hair splayed against her shoulders and back, whilst she struggled to rise again, her pain and fear lost to the sound of her canine companion's snarling and barking. The dog threw itself in front of her, its dark eyes gleaming at the pale youth, prepared to tear him to pieces if he dared approach.

"Very well," Walter said at last, his great frame moved away before he turned and looked over his shoulder at the fallen woman. His cold, dark eyes narrowed, whilst his rich voice whispered. "Do not keep me waiting…" Without another word, his armored form vanished in a flash of white light.

---

During their departure from the theater, Sara did not speak a word to him. The lady's eyes remained downcast and she followed at a distance behind him. Upon returning to the teleport room, Joachim whirled to face her and lowered his head. Anguish washed across his face when their eyes met.

"Forgive me, Sara." He whispered, his face paling when she gave no response. With a frustrated sigh, he swept toward her, his pale eyes pleading for her understanding. "I had no choice. If I refrained, Walter would have killed you instantly. I did not want you to give him a reason!"

He wanted to reach out and touch her, but feared she would pull away from him. Sara's eyes brimmed with tears that, despite her fear and exhaustion, she refused to shed. After a moment of silence passed, she wrung her delicate hands and returned her gaze to the floor once again.

Her voice, once soft and joyful, was barely audible. "I understand. It is you who should forgive me; I placed you in needless risk. Now, I fear what Walter will do to you…all of this is my fault…"

"No, it is not." He insisted, casting her a sullen look, which contrasted the gentleness in his eyes. Frail beauty existed within his broken soul. When he looked at Sara, a strange longing filled him, which he could not define clearly. "You should fear for Baron Belmont. Leon is your betrothed…and far worthier of your concern than I."

"That is untrue," She shook her head. The lady's downcast expression deepened, and her voice sounded oddly faint and trembled when she spoke. The flowing skirt of her long, ivory dress swept around her as she stepped toward him, ignoring the black dog-like creature's protective growls when he drew nearer in concern.

"We must find a way to stop Walter before Leon arrives. I would do anything for your sake, Joachim. My time with you…is limited. There must be a way…"

"There may be a way," He replied, feeling tightness in his throat when her eyes gazed at him once again.

The youth's steely blue gaze drifted beyond her to a mysterious, lone door on the opposite side of the platform on which they stood. The slight rumbling within the walls attracted his attention, though he knew not if it came from beyond the door, nor its source. Walter would require his presence shortly and there was no time for him to delay, lest the vampire lord decide to seek him out. Joachim dashed toward the door and forced it open with his mind. Before he could warn Sara not to accompany him, she stepped across its threshold and into the room beyond where the source of his – and her own – interest lay.

"I am curious to know what Walter keeps in here." he whispered.

"Joachim!" Upon hearing her scream, he rushed though the door and came to an abrupt halt when the strong, musty stench of blood wafted through the stale air.

Sara pressed her hands over her mouth and turned away from the sight. Her eyes widened with fear and alarm.

"What on earth is contained here?" She gasped.

Loud, rasping growls resounded through the wide, empty room in which they entered. She crossed herself and remained near the door, her gaze drawn to the middle, where a large pool of blood smeared the center of the room completely red. Candle holders on either side of the door barely provided enough light to make the room's interior visible.

He clutched a hand to his chest, his mouth nearly falling agape as he peered through a metal grate lining the outer edge of the rectangular-shaped room. Although it was difficult to discern the appearance of the beast clearly, his eyes caught sight of its outline between the solid metal bars securing it below. Low, aggravated breaths sounded from the creature's throat, as if to remind the entire world of its suffering.

"A demon…" The words fled his lips before he even realized he had spoken them.

The stench of blood and decay warned him that, whatever lay within the iron bars, was too powerful to exist beyond them. The creature's low breathing made the walls of the room shudder.

"This is not a creature a human soul should look upon…" He approached a mysterious, dark blue door on the left side of the room and gazed at its stone structure, which blocked access to the room beyond. Tall, steel bars lined the wall around the door.

"What do you mean?" Sara asked. Despite the dread in her voice, she remained in the room with him.

"The seal on this door was once extremely powerful." His eyes remained locked upon the mysterious, dark blue door. "This room has been abandoned for quite some time, and whatever lay within these walls is supposed to remain there. I can feel its pain and rage eroding away the magic securing the door, and I don't know how much longer the seal will hold."

He was not sure if Walter was responsible for containing the demon. The magic upon the door was old and revealed nothing about its origins. He could not imagine Walter containing a massive, raging beast as a 'pet' underneath the castle. Reasons that were far darker attested to the presence and unending suffering of the demon below. A tiny smile crossed his ashen lips while he looked on at the door and tried to decipher the secrets lying within the depths beyond its sealed frame.

Before he turned away, he glanced at the tension wearing upon Sara's face, and added. "It seems unjust for this creature to exist within a prison of eternal torture…"

"Perhaps that torture is well deserved." Sara answered solemnly, her eyes drifting between him and the door. The dull, grinding sounds of the demon scraping against the walls prompted her to turn away. "I do not wish to remain here any longer, for whatever dwells in the chasm below frightens me. Please, Joachim, do not return to this place."

She kneeled to pet her inky black companion that had fallen unexpectedly still. Her fair hand brushed across its sleek black fur in an attempt to ease its tension. Soft growls vibrated from the beast's throat until she straightened and departed from the room – the wolf following closely at her heels as she went.

The offensive stench of decay threatened to overwhelm his senses. Though he did not know what dwelled in the depths of the prison, the immensity of its power made him shudder. With a silent nod, he followed after her, but not without hesitating a final time. A twinge of empathy filtered through him as he listened to the demon's lonely growls. Despite its power, the demon was helpless to escape its fate. He chuckled to himself, while the smile upon his lips broadened, and his pale eyes glinted dangerously in the flickering light.

A monster, forgotten by the world, would be remembered.

---

He knew of only one place he could take Sara where one would not find her easily. The tiny blue room in which he originally secured her within was far too obvious. Thus, Joachim led her within the dark, mysterious confines of the castle's laboratory. Sara followed quickly behind him, her eyes alert to every sight and sound within its walls. To save time, he sent the wolf ahead to destroy whatever obstructed their path. The black creature lunged upon blindly thrashing zombies and tore into their rotten flesh with its razor-sharp incisors, its heavy paws subduing the undead corpses with little effort. Its powerful jaws secured one of the zombies by the neck and shook it like a pheasant until the lady's voice attracted its attention.

"Come, Sabooro." She called, pausing to turn and look at the beast. The wolf dropped the corpse and bounded after her through the laboratory's narrow hallways as a black puddle, which resembled the spilled ink of a quill pen.

After a time, they arrived within a large open room. "This is one of my favorite places in the castle," Joachim turned to the young woman and ushered her into the laboratory's observatory. "Monsters do not come here, so you will be safe during my absence. Do not leave this room until I return for you."

Sara walked toward the room's massive telescope, and her bright blue eyes gazed up at the object admiringly. Numerous books lined shelves on a platform above its modest hearth. The hole in the wall for the telescope's glass lens allowed them a glimpse of the night sky. The room's technological opulence provided an unusual contrast to its antique furnishings. She wandered from the telescope to the rough wooden table beside it, flipping through the numerous books, parchment, and vials scattered haphazardly across it.

"Tis' a shame the telescope is out of reach. I would not mind looking at the stars; their beauty always captured my imagination. How I miss them…"

Her voice drifted into silence, and an unsettled air seemed to consume her until the white-haired vampire walked toward her and took her hand. Very gently, he led her to the wall and looked up at the gaping hole high above them. A smile creased the corners of his lips when he spoke, eager to alleviate her discontent.

"Perhaps, I can be of assistance?" He answered, his pale face suddenly becoming alight with enthusiasm for the first time in his memory. It had been a long while since joy replaced his gloom. "I can show you the stars. Do not let go of me until I tell you to – the consequences would be rather…unpleasant."

Without waiting for her consent, the soles of his boots slowly lifted above the floor until he levitated in front of her. The tails of his robes fanned behind him whilst the silken strands of his ivory hair floated around his face. The familiar purple aura reappeared and illuminated the young nobleman, whose pale features, indigo clothing, and hovering form was both intimidating and strangely alluring. Sara's crystalline eyes widened, and she gasped when the feel of his icy cold hand slinked around her waist and drew her against him. His steely eyes intensified upon her, whilst his other hand cupped her face to feel her warm, smooth skin against his fingertips as he rose higher and higher above the ground – taking her with him – whilst both her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Tension appeared upon Sara's face when her feet no longer touched the floor.

Within seconds he reached the hole in the wall and set her down upon its broken ledge. The hole was in one of the castle's many spires, located just above the blanket of mist shrouding their view of the ground. A thousand twinkling stars greeted them in the dark sky, and the faint red light from the eternally full moon half-shadowed his face. He lifted his head to look at the moon, lost in the image of its magnificence, until he realized Sara continued to embrace him. Her arms relaxed, and she pressed her head against his chest, the locks of her soft brown hair splaying gracefully against her face and arms. He could hear the gentle rhythm of her heart beating within her chest, which briefly mystified him, for his own heart was silent and still. The skirt of her dress flowed around her feet like the robes of a seraph, and her light blue vest glowed in the moonlight. At first, he was too stunned to move. Painful memories threatened to shatter his peace but the hope within his heart defied them. The feel of her warmth vaguely reminded him of what it was like to be human. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, as curtains of white hair cascaded against his cheeks.

A weak smile played upon his lips when he spoke, and his voice softened. Affectionate sentiments reflected within his icy eyes, though the fragility of her existence only served to remind him that she did not belong to the night as he did. In the moonlight, his flesh gleamed with unnatural paleness. "My pale skin and hair should repulse you. I am dead but exist within an eternal purgatory. Even when I was human, people feared me."

Sorrow appeared within Sara's eyes when her face lifted away from his chest to look at him. "I am not frightened of you, nor do I find you repulsive. You were lonely as a human and fear you shall always be as a vampire. Yet, it needn't be that way, Joachim…" She withdrew a breath, and added softly. "I…am with you…"

As if fearing he would break her, he cupped her face in his hands. "You shall always remain in my thoughts, Sara. If there is one positive aspect of eternity, it is the fact that it shall enable me to preserve your memory forever. I would gladly relinquish all my powers, if only to be human again. Yet, you know as well as I, that I cannot return to my former life as a lord."

"Please, do not say such things-"

"I speak the truth!" He held up a hand, commanding her silence, whilst he continued. "My only request is that, upon your leave, you will never return here. My humanity is slowly fading away…and, in time, I will no longer know myself. I do not want you to see me when I…"

"Your humanity shall only fade if you allow it to. Fate is not the decider of all things, Joachim."

"Then what is?"

Sara hesitated for a long time. Her face lowered, and her eyes cast themselves upon the crimson moon. His penetrating stare failed to unnerve her in the slightest. However, her voice became faint. "…Love…"

A part of him wanted to scorn the simplicity of her answer. "Love?" He repeated the fatal word over and over under his breath, his face a mask of sorrow and contempt. The fine curves of his lips formed a scowl. The lady's unadulterated honesty fascinated and repelled him simultaneously.

"I wish that were true," he sighed. "Love is not the decider – power is."

"Power dehumanizes people," She whispered. "You are above that."

His voice lowered, and a twinge of reproach appeared upon his ashen visage. "I am inhuman. But you…are not."

A red flicker seeped within his pale eyes as he stared at her, feeling the terrible, perpetual hunger growing the longer he looked upon her ethereal beauty. It had been some time since he last fed, and he despised himself for being tempted so easily. An anguished cry sounded from his throat as he turned away and covered his face with his hands, digging the claw-like nails on his fingers into his own flesh. It was not until he heard Sara speak that his hands fell away from his face, and his body became completely still.

"I know because…your only concern…has been for me." She whispered, her crystalline eyes blurring with tears. Slowly, tiny droplets slid down her refined cheek and dripped off her chin. Wisps of dark brown hair slipped across her shoulders and back while her gaze remained locked upon him. "I know you grieve her, but all is not lost. When I think about the human world, my thoughts dwell upon the obligations I will face. Yes, I am betrothed to Leon, but that does not mean I am free. I cannot deny the fact that I sometimes doubt whether it should be…"

"Please, say no more." He shook his head, even though the wavering within him betrayed his words.

After drawing a deep breath, her gaze seemed to possess the power to immobilize him completely. His movements felt rigid when he lifted a hand and caressed her face, running his fingers across her warm, smooth skin as he drew her closer until his cold, ashen lips brushed lightly across hers.

Despite hungering for the taste of her lips, he pulled away, and his voice trembled.

"Love never dies, Sara."

He did not want to let her go but he could not keep her, either. Pain etched across his smooth face the longer he looked at her, for his heart seemed to give way, and his breath hitched in his chest. It was as if time stood still within that moment, as he stood with her in the moonlight, holding her close. Perhaps, more than words alone could express, he could not bear living forever without knowing her love.

The lady released a sigh and nodded, while a soft, sad smile spread across her lips. She cupped her hands in front of her like a nun in prayer. The red moon shone upon her face, its light illuminating her fair features, while casting a soft halo around her. When he fell silent, she stepped toward him insistently, unwilling to leave him at the mercy of the night. However, the youth raised his hand focused his thoughts upon her. The skirt of her dress floated around her while her eyes widened, and her hand outstretched – reaching for him, only to know that he would not take it. She cried out as he lowered her toward the floor with his powers. His face was a mask of seriousness, which hid his brokenness when her beautiful innocence slowly slipped away from him. The vampire grimaced as he looked upon her, seeing the pain in her eyes, but unable to comfort her.

Quietly, he drifted away from her, and crouched upon the edge of the hole in the wall to view the nightscape. The tails of his robe fluttered around his slender form. He could vaguely see the outline of the castle's tallest spire peeking through the stormy clouds above. Only the lone crimson moon accompanied him. His steely eyes blinked under its faint red light while the wind caressed his face. With a parting lament, his humanoid shape transformed into the tiny, white form of a bat. He could feel Walter's irritation growing, the silent rage within his lord's heart and mind pulling at him more forcefully with each passing moment. Terrible, throbbing pain filled him before he outstretched his wings, and allowed the wind to carry him into the night. His finely tipped ears heard Sara's voice calling after him as he ascended into the sky. He had no choice except to obey the red-haired demon. Walter's demand for his presence was more adamant than usual. He could almost feel the other vampire's rage prickling against his furry body while he flew toward the tower.

Tension ran through him the moment he saw his master sitting lazily upon the throne, with his feet stretched out and crossed, and his left hand resting upon its elaborate gold arm. Coils of thick red hair splayed against his shoulder blades as he slowly lifted his head, his dark eyes falling upon the pale creature floating in the doorway. With a sigh, he straightened in the red velvet throne like a cat awakening from a nap. His right hand clutched a wine glass, and a dull tapping noise broke the silence as his fingers drummed against it in a repetitively bored fashion. The sight of his lord made the youth hesitate, his pale eyes widening when the sound of Walter's low, eloquent voice greeted him.

"Welcome, Joachim. You kept me waiting."

A tiny smirk spread across the pale creature's lips as he raised his head. Walter's stunning countenance, rich voice, and possessiveness was becoming tiring.

Mutual displeasure reflected within Joachim's icy gaze when he replied coldly, his voice teetered on the barest thread of civility. "Perhaps you have forgotten the fact you asked me to babysit the human. I cannot be in two places at once, Walter."

For a moment, Walter raised an eyebrow and lifted one of his gauntlet-covered hands, tempted to strike him for his impertinence, though refraining. The youth's despondence seemed to enhance his curiosity. "Baron Belmont has not arrived, and I am growing tired of this game already. Perhaps, I shall begin another to pass the time."

Joachim continued to glare at the other lord. You are growing tired of being alone. A lump filled his throat as he stood, paralyzed, and nearly unable to respond. Without batting an eyelid, he stared into his lord's abyss-like eyes and forced a smile.

The youth tossed his head, allowing his ivory locks to splay around his smooth, delicate features when he remarked. "No one has ever beaten you. What makes you think some pathetic human will?"

The grin upon Walter's lips broadened. "The Baron will lose. It is inevitable."

Rage seeped through his voice as he stabbed his master with his dagger-like glare. Although his face paled to the point of snow, the youth's acrid words attempted to erode away his master's amusement.

"I am tired of hearing you talk about games, Walter!"

A tint of red flashed within Walter's irises with a will to incinerate the pale creature.

His lips parted, revealing the points of his razor-sharp incisors as his voice rose, making the room tremble when he snarled. "Very well. Perhaps, we should discuss the matter of the lady instead?"

A shadow appeared across the red-haired vampire's pallid face, and he leaned forward in his chair, his penetrating gaze intensifying upon the stunned youth. His smooth, flawless lips curved into a delighted smirk when his suggestion received no acknowledgement. Joachim stared at the demon, his voice trapped in his throat, while his eyes became wide and glassy.

The dark spheres of Walter's eyes focused upon him, and his deep voice lowered. "Yes...it seems you have been more attentive than I thought, Joachim."

"What of it?" He snapped, feeling the tension in his body increase until he drifted forward, and forced his lips into a smile. Walter's eyes followed him as he continued, his voice reclaiming its former calm. "Can't I play along with this game, too? It is so rare for you to have guests remain alive for as long as she has?" A soft chuckle vibrated through his throat and he flicked a strand of hair away from his face, dismissing his lord's remark almost effortlessly. "It's too bad; she won't get to watch her saintly knight die by your hand."

"Indeed, it is. But I wonder if you truly regret her fate, my dear servant."

Walter's eyes narrowed before he reached for an object set beside the throne. With a huff, the vampire withdrew a familiar woven basket. Horror filled Joachim the moment his eyes fell upon the accursed object. Yet, he veiled his surprise beneath a shroud of apathy, and barely gave the basket a glance as the sound of his master's voice echoed across the room.

"This basket was left in my theater...curious, is it not? Although you may have acquired a partiality for human food, I doubt very much that is true. Please, enlighten me."

The youth folded his arms across his chest. Repugnance swept across his face and he raised an eyebrow defensively. Impatient to dismiss it, he scoffed. "You are quite neglectful of your guests. Humans are weak, whining creatures. I killed a traveler and took his provisions so that the girl would no longer saddle me with her complaints."

"Interesting..." Walter's dark eyes glinted, and his tightened around the wine glass.

A low, amused chuckle escaped the vampire's lips as he tossed his head, allowing the lush coils of his thick red hair to fall recklessly across his muscled shoulders. Everything about Walter spoke of a terrifying grace, and the sound of his voice alone commanded the youth's undivided attention. The vampire lord's intensity was as attractive as it was sinister. Joachim only wished that he could escape from the sight of his master's cavernous, dark eyes, which sought the secrets contained within his heart and soul.

When he thought he could bear it no longer, the bitterness within Walter's voice immobilized him. "I expected you might have bitten the lady eventually, but you have refrained from harming her in the slightest. Your willpower is quite something."

"I feasted upon humans before I claimed her," Joachim flicked his hand in dismissal, allowing a tiny smile to appear upon his lips. "I am afraid, I am not hungry."

"Do not test me, Joachim!" The repressed anger within the red-haired vampire's eyes suddenly became alit.

With an irritated snarl, Walter raised his gauntlet-covered hand and threw the wine glass onto the floor. The glass exploded with a resounding shatter against the throne steps, causing its contents to spill like blood across its marble surface. Joachim eyed the broken object warily, feeling his throat tighten under his lord's stabbing glare. Walter's smooth lips drew back, exposing the points of his needle-sharp fangs, while a dull, crimson glimmer seeped within his dark eyes.

"I know you are succumbing to your thirst. Despite your efforts to conceal it, your longing for blood is insatiable! I wonder, however, if there are things you long for even more."

"What other things?" Joachim hissed, willing to challenge the red-haired demon, if only to prove the contrary. "It is so like you to chastise me for not dedicating my existence to your every whim, Walter. The girl is a simple plaything; I shall tire of her soon enough...and when that happens, I cannot guarantee there will be anything left of her afterwards."

Walter fell silent, his dark eyes locked upon the pale creature with growing frustration. One of his gauntlet-covered hands balled into a fist. "I expected you would judge me. The lady is, admittedly, lovely but far bolder than to my liking. Nevertheless, you are becoming more noticeably defiant, as of late, Joachim. It displeases me greatly." When Joachim parted his lips in an attempt to retort, Walter held up a hand, his eyes casting the pale youth a warning glare whilst he continued. "I have not forgotten our little disagreement in the garden, nor your lecherous activities with the Succubus. And now…"

A sigh parted through the demon's lips as he lowered his head, turning away from the young man as though he had lost interest in their conversation. Joachim knew it was quite the contrary, for he saw his lord's powerful muscles tense and his stance become rigid. He felt his heart scream to apologize, however, his mind refused to give in. In spite of his pain, he felt the same weakness for his lord – the inseparable desire to be with him. To stay by his side, forever protected in his beautiful, powerful embrace. Profound sadness lingered in Walter's voice while they stared at one another. At last, his red-haired lord turned to face him again, his dark eyes shining in the dimly lit room. Pain etched across his once elegant face, his lips verging on trembling whilst his quavering fist unfolded.

Walter wrung his hands. The red-haired lord's pained expression deepened whilst he continued emphatically. "Do not mistake my affection for you as weakness, Joachim. I am beloved by the night and have none. However, it is not too late for us to make amends. I have been rather…unfair." With a sigh, he rose from the throne, and a twinge of sympathy appeared within his eyes.

"Unfair?" The youth sneered, barely withholding the urge to laugh as he hissed. "You are well beyond unfair, Walter."

In spite of his hatred, the vulnerable part of him craved his lord's affection. He adored the way Walter spoke, moved, killed, and lavished attention upon him like a prince. It seemed so right, until his thoughts wandered to the woman at the mercy of the vampire's cruel game. Sara sought to rescue the wretched, fallen nobleman before he lost himself to the curse completely. Human memories, once so vivid, were slowly disappearing from his mind. A soft, sad smile spread across Joachim's lips as he bowed his head in an attempt to retreat from his lord's penetrating gaze. He feared what would happen if he looked up at Walter's elegant face, for he knew his feelings would drive him further into darkness. Joachim approached his lord's towering frame and concealed his shame behind curtains of silky, ivory hair. Before he could consider how to respond, he felt Walter's gauntlet-covered fingers slide beneath his chin and tilt his head up. In a matter of seconds, his lover's ashen visage transfixed him completely.

A gentle smile appeared upon Walter's graceful lips. Everything about the red-haired vampire fascinated him. Joachim's pale eyes widened, though without realizing it, he flinched from his lord's touch as if it burned his flesh raw. Sensing his fear, a sigh escaped through Walter's lips before his rich voice filled the silence. The demon's other hand stroked the fine, silky locks of his hair tenderly, as if fearing the pale creature would disappear at any moment.

"I do not ask for your forgiveness; I ask only that you consider the privileges I have bestowed upon you since your turning. Tis' true, you have lost a great deal, but the rewards are more than justifiable. I may be inclined to give you everything, if only you accept my authority over the night."

Joachim winced under Walter's touch. Yet, his pale eyes succumbed to the magnetic force of the demon's gaze. Desire began to overpower his fear the longer he looked at Walter's beautiful countenance. He admired his lord's dignity and grace as if he were divine, to the point that he nearly adored and despised him with equal passion.

"What if I…refuse?" He asked, willing to risk angering Walter, if only to free himself from his imprisonment.

"Do not say such things," Walter soothed, his face drawing closer, until his lips hovered over the pale youth's, as if pretending not to have heard his response. "I cherish you, Joachim. Tis' all that matters."

"No," He breathed, the moment he felt his master's cold lips brush against his own.

Despite his admiration, anger surged beneath the cold blue spheres of his eyes like a hurricane. The moment he replied, the smile upon Walter's face abruptly faded, as if the young man's words had the power to strip away everything he was. Rage and yearning began to build within Joachim's injured soul. Walter's hold tightened around him, nearly suffocating him, as the youth whispered anxiously.

"You know I cannot accept. To cherish someone is to love them unconditionally. I wish to live by my own terms – not yours. Now, release me, so that I may take leave of you. This conversation is wearisome."

He tried to pull away, but Walter's hand seized his hair with the swiftness of a viper, and jerked his head back. If he had wished it, the red-haired demon could have snapped his neck almost effortlessly. Walter's grip upon him tightened, and a radiant shade of red flashed through his eyes whilst he yanked the frail creature closer. The moment Joachim's accusing gaze flew to his, Walter's voice quavered with restrained fury. Pain etched across the vampire lord's graceful features as he hissed. "I shall tolerate your insolence no longer! You will never be anything more than a wretched cur. I thought you might entertain me, as you once did, but you have proven the contrary."

"What a pity," Joachim ignored the pain enough to grace his lord's threat with a smile. "It seems you have to find other sources of entertainment. You think that everything can be yours to own and control, Walter. I once thought it flattering that you desired my presence, but I have come to realize that everything must be your way. Do not insult me by concealing your jealousy beneath a guise of cordiality. Tis' pathetic - you envy a human girl that, by your own will, you forced unto me! Now, you sit in your throne and jeer me for bestowing her kindness you wish I would show you. You demonstrate no mercy, compassion, or even the slightest concern over her fate. Though you speak grandly of affection and empathy, you know it not...and some part of me pities you, but not enough to justify your cruelty. Perhaps, eventually, you shall realize that you do not have as much control as you are accustomed to believing. I suppose your search for the Crimson Stone is not going well. Perhaps, Mathias would be willing to assist you instead-"

"The Crimson Stone is near, and it will soon be mine!" Walter snapped, gripping the youth's hair with more force, until the sound of his servant's indignant cry rewarded him. Within seconds, the red-haired vampire's powerful hand shoved the youth to his knees upon the floor, his dark eyes flashing a shade of red whilst he continued smoothly. "I shall search to the ends of the earth until I find it. My soul is eternal, and nothing is beyond my will. Even though you think you have lost everything, there is still more I can take from you, if I wish. You do not yet understand the extent of my power over you. Your humanity makes you weak, and you will endure the penalty of your sympathy for humans if you continue to disobey me…" With a snarl, the demon's grip abruptly released, and he slammed the youth's frail body against the floor.

Joachim wheezed as he looked up at his lord's furious countenance. The indignity of being thrown about like a toy sent shockwaves of anger through him, which he veiled beneath a guise of alarm. Nevertheless, no words could satisfy his desire to tear his lord's throat apart. He restrained his hatred in a sullen silence, his pale eyes lingering upon Walter as the vampire lord seated himself upon the throne, and cast a scathing glare, as if the pale nobleman were Judas himself. A brief silence passed, until at last, Walter heaved an impatient sigh. His rich, calm voice lowered to a growl. "Our conversation is at an end. Now, get out of my sight." When the young man whirled to depart, he felt Walter's intense, distrustful dark optics follow him as he went. Without bothering a reply, he threw the throne room's heavy stone door open – and deliberately slammed it shut behind him.

Desperation rang through the core of Joachim's soul as he descended the carpeted stairway of the throne room, his ivory hair fluttering wildly in the howling wind. He was greatly relieved to be rid of his master's prying gaze. It seemed ironic that, for a creature whose existence defied death, time was suddenly against him. Rage appeared across his once calm expression until pure, seething hatred warped his features. The youth's hands clenched into fists as he flew within the castle, his glowing form rushing through the monster-infested rooms and corridors with unparalleled speed. The long tails of his robes fanned behind him as he continued onward. Nothing in Walter's castle dare challenge the pale demon during his descent into its depths. Anger burned within him like wildfire when he revisited the entryway of the demon's underground prison. The ominous dark blue door drew his attention like nothing he had ever seen within the castle. Walter had not bothered to strengthen the magic over the door. The room's offensive stench of dried blood sought to warn him of the peril he would face if he unlocked whatever lay within its depths. However, he was unwilling to yield to the monstrous darkness looming below the metal grate on which he stood. He could hear the great beast's laboured breaths accompanied by hopeless rumbling against the walls. If he released it, there was no telling if he would be able to re-imprison it again.

Joachim lingered in front of the door, his light blue eyes gleaming in the shadowy, blood-soaked room. He did not know exactly how powerful the seal was, and so he commanded one of his swords to rise above him with his thoughts, angling the blade directly at the center of the door. The sword's metallic surface flashed until the blade's deadly tip suddenly tinted crimson. With a cry, he sent the blade directly into the door, and heard an unrewarding clang of metal reverberate through the room when the seal knocked the blade across the room. The huge sword flew back, narrowly missing his head, and slid sideways over the stone floor. The vampire summoned the sword to lift itself up and align with the others behind his back. Not even his five loyal blades were capable of affecting the door in the slightest.

The seal over this door is more powerful than I thought. Perhaps, the tactician was truthful in that I have relied upon my weapons for too long. Yet, my abilities have vastly improved, and I may need to unleash them in a single attack - if I can...

Concern wore upon his smooth features as he studied the door, and considered the possibility of accumulating his power. The task was daunting, but he had no other options left. He sighed and stared at the door, concentrating his thoughts upon it, while his mind summoned the energy building within him. Like an approaching storm, a thin red ring surrounded his slender form as he struggled to contain his telekinetic powers into a single assault. His mind was not accustomed to the pressure of focusing so intensely, for his swords were easier to manipulate than a psychic burst. He did not know if it would even work, nor if he would lose consciousness under the strain he endured. A terrible, throbbing pain ripped through his mind while he combined all of his power into his swords. In obedience, the blades rose up, angled their points at the door, and formed a half-circle around him. The centermost blade rose up above his head, while two hovered at shoulder-level, and the remaining two on either side of his legs just above the floor. He spread his arms, and fought to keep the power building inside him contained long enough to unleash its full force. He felt his feet lift off the floor as the tails of his robes fluttered around him under the control of his telekinetic magnetism. It took all of his strength, but his eyes flew open upon feeling a colossal energy course through his mind and body, and build to a nearly uncontrollable concentration. Without fully realizing it, his hands shot out in front of him as he crossed his wrists, knowing that he could no longer contain it. A bright, circular-shaped bluish white light appeared in front of him, until with a cry, a beam of white light shot forth from his hands and collided against the door. He held his position, nearly blinded by the light, which struck the heavy stone blockade with incredible speed and strength.

Amidst the blinding stream of light, he noticed the blue door trembled, before its heavy frame violently gave way. A loud crash resounded and made the stonework of the room shudder under the impact of the door swinging open and colliding against the concealed passageway's interior wall. The magic over the door had grown much weaker than he expected. Panting and exhausted, he ceased his attack, and stumbled forward against the wall beside the door. Curtains of lush white hair fell around his smooth face, whilst he greedily absorbed the sight of the unsealed door, and revelled in his accomplishment. As tempting as it was to explore what lay beyond the door's mysterious, shadowy depths, a strange feeling overwhelmed him. He could not describe it clearly, but instinct warned him that something was gravely amiss. Sudden, unexplainable terror filled him whilst he pushed himself away from the wall and turned round toward the teleport room, his face a mask of dread and horror. His sallow lips parted, as he stood frozen by apprehension like a deer alerted of a nearby predator. A stabbing coldness surged through his heart, and his hands began to tremble, as the impulse to hurry urged him to depart. Someone, somewhere, was calling him – screaming for him…

Joachim's robes fluttered around him as he ran into the teleport room, his face gradually losing all of the color it possessed. As if possessed by a spirit, he flew through the laboratory's narrow corridors, unable to think about anything except the source of his unease. The five blades aligned behind his back abruptly began whirling around him, alert and restless from their master's disturbance. He continued onward through the laboratory – ignoring the lumbering zombies – until he reached the room he sought. A horrible, enraged scream erupted from his throat as he flung back its heavy doors, his eyes furiously darting across the room. The desk beside the telescope was overturned, and a sea of books and papers were scattered recklessly across the floor. The table's worn chair was across the room and lay on its side, splintered to pieces. A sharp, pained whining sound faintly reached his ears until his wild, searching eyes fell upon the wolf-like beast lying in a heap in the middle of the room. Blood pooled around its tattered inky-black form, which clung to life by a thread. Joachim lingered in the doorway, his eyes widening, whilst the terrible, vengeful grip of despair seized his broken soul and consumed him completely.

Sara was gone.