As they arrived, they were received by two meowing gray cats.
"Thank you, I'm feeling better" Livia let go of Donovan's arm. "Make yourself at home."
The hunter and Anita looked around. It was a comfortable house with modest decoration. Anita sat on a chair. Livia washed her hands and then she appeared carrying a blanket and a medical bag. She covered Anita with care although the girl didn't move or faced her. Livia then opened her bag, soaked gauze with antiseptic, and cleaned her bruises.
"Let me see your wounds" She turned to Donovan.
"Take care of yourself, I heal fast."
"This cut seems as open as before," she said skeptically.
Donovan gazed at Anita who seemed emotionless as always. He then sat down frowning. The doctor's hands cleaned and sutured the deep cut on his chest. Now on the light, she could see them better. Donovan was a tall and strong man, with a resigned posture. One of his eyes had a fire glow and the other was blue. His hair was long and braided, he had many Asian accessories. The most prominent was a broad and large sword on his back, which seemed to watch her? Anita was a tiny girl, maybe about her seven years old. She carried a headless doll and her state was almost catatonic. Somehow they fitted in together. They both also analyzed Livia in silence.
"You should not go out at night time," Donovan told her.
"You should not take your daughter to your hunts," She cleaned his face softly "I was working, that bloody vampire has harmed and killed people, someone has to look after them."
"It's a miracle that you're not dead."
"Death cast her gaze on this wretched and turned away," she smiled melancholic "I've survived to the plagues that killed my husband and family and to the vampire that is killing everyone…"
Livia turned to Anita and examined her. She felt electricity when she touched her, but Livia ignored it. Everything seemed physically normal, although Anita's gaze was extremely apathetic.
"You've been through something horrible, haven't you? I'm sorry. Let me please see your throat"
Anita opened her mouth and let Livia examine it.
"It's a bit sore. Ginger should help" Livia got up fast and felt a sharp pain on her head.
"I take care of this, tell me where you keep the herbs." Donovan touched her shoulder making she sit down again. Livia pointed to a cupboard.
"Demitri seemed furious with you, I can only wonder why."
"Maybe because I removed the hearts of his victims during the autopsy and burned them before they could turn into vampires."
Livia said as naturally as she could. Donovan just stared at her.
"What?" She shrugged "This is the countryside of Romania but dig out corpses and puncture them is a little old fashioned don't you think? People deserve better."
"I'm not blaming you. That's a smart idea, however, he might come back for revenge. I'll have to watch over you." Donovan said calmly.
The hunter made a great herbal tea for them. Livia complimented him and prepared the sofa-bed for them. She took a shower and went to her bed, but every time she closed her eyes, she saw Demitri and remembered everything. Then she got up, dressed one of her late husband's coats, and slept.
It was almost 9 when Livia got up, feeling a little better. She dressed a satin robe and left her room. She found Anita reading one of her medical books.
"Good day!" Livia smiled "Do you feel better?"
Anita nodded, her expression was cold and distant. When Livia was going to touch the bathroom's doorknob, Donovan opened the door. They both were startled. Livia enjoyed her sight: A warrior with his large chest exposed and his long, wet hair.
"Great day!" Livia smiled with mischief.
"Good day," Donovan blushed and moved away from her.
"Do you need help to get dressed?"
"No!"
A few moments later, Donovan glanced at her while reading a book of magic. Livia was a tall woman, dressed in a casual black dress and boots. She had penetrating gray eyes and black hair falling on waves on her smooth breasts. She noticed his glance and smiled. He cleaned his throat.
"You're a gypsy magician? You have a small library of occult books here, besides salt and thorns on your windows and doors."
"Not anymore, I'm a doctor now." She said uncomfortable "My husband was a gypsy, but he died and I returned to live with my father. Magic didn't save anyone I loved, however, salt wards off the evil"
"Salt did not stop me"
"Because I invited you to. I know you're a hybrid... A dhampir as some might say."
"And you don't fear us?"
"You saved my life. Not all Darkstalkers are wicked, never heard of the cat woman Felicia? My cats love her… As for Anita, she's shocked. I've already seen people like this before, it's temporary." She took a sip of coffee.
"Anita's has been like this for months. She is not able to feel anything" He sighed.
"Someday she'll feel." Livia came closer to Anita and noticed she was reading about throat infections. She explained some parts. Later, Livia helped Anita to have a shower, she washed her hair with care and dressed her, always very friendly even though Anita was quiet all along.
Then, there were firm knocks on the door.
"Who is this?" Livia asked.
"Doctor Zana," a man shouted, "We heard there are Darkstalkers in there, we came to confirm."
It was possible to hear the murmur of several other people.
"I'll take care of this" Donovan said.
"Not before I talk to them" Livia stepped in.