Chapter 11

It had been another sixty years after Leila had escaped with her and Alexi's unborn child. She had given Alexi a son, just like Inga had predicted. He had grown up well and had started his own family. However, as time passed, Leila became old and frail, but Alexi still loved her, and he continued to visit.
Alas, it was a sad day for Alexi. Leila was gone, taken by time, to which he was immune. As Alexi watched Inga outside, he constantly looked at a picture of his beloved Leila. He missed her so much. However, his granddaughter looked just like her, so in a way, Leila was still with him.
Inga had been sick lately and was having another one of her coughing fits. It was winter once more in the mountains. Inga was on her knees in the snow, a few feet from Alexi. He walked over to make sure she was all right when she suddenly gave a mad scream of delight.
"I'm going to die!" she screamed happily. "Look! Look! I'm going to die!"
Inga showed Alexi the palm of her hand. There was fresh blood on it. Alexi looked back at her face and saw the blood stain on her chin. Her eyes were those of one who was insane.
"I'm going to die! I'm going to die!" Inga screamed happily and danced around.
She was filled with so much energy that it was frightening. She somersaulted in the air and performed a number of gymnastic tricks. She leapt and spun in a dance and ran around, all the time screaming, "I'm going to die! I'm finally going to die!"
She ran to her favorite column and suddenly collapsed. Alexi sighed and walked towards her fallen body when he stopped in his tracks upon sight of a dark figure which appeared from behind the column. Alexi watched warily as the figure fell to its knees and reached out to touch Inga's face.
"Don't touch her," Alexi threatened.
The figure looked at him, and Alexi was suddenly hit with a revelation.
"You're D?"
The figure nodded.
"How did you find her?"
"Leila's granddaughter told me," D replied in his deep, calm, and quiet voice. "She freed my mind from the spell, and not too soon. She's almost changed."
"She's not changed yet? Amazing."
"Inga," D whispered to her and turned his attention as he held her in his arms. "Everything will be fine now. Just hold on a bit longer."
"D. . ." Inga whispered subconsciously.
"Shhh," D replied. "I'm here. I won't leave you again. I'll kill every last one that hurt you."
D wrapped his cape around her cold, frail body and held her close. Alexi watched in shock. This was D? This was the man who had the purest loyalty? Alexi could not see how this man was Inga's savior, but as he looked on, he realized how in silent understanding.
"How did my granddaughter break the spell?" Alexi asked, and slipped a little.
"Your granddaughter?" D asked suspiciously and held Inga closer.
"I wonder if Leila and Alexi are happy with their new baby. . ." Inga murmured. ". . .too bad I'll never have D's baby. . ."
D hugged Inga closer. He rocked back and forth to soothe her restless dreaming.
"I remember that," Alexi said as he continued watching. "That's when she told Leila she was having my son."
D looked up at Alexi. "So you loved each other? You did not force yourself on her?"
"Never to Leila," Alexi replied. "I protected her from the other vampires so they couldn't get to her."
"But not Inga," D noted.
"She. . .it was to large of a price to pay for me and Leila to be happy. Too large a price. . ." Alexi replied solemnly and hung his head.
"She always was noble and faithful to those she cared for," D responded with a small smile. "I'm so proud that she's with me."
"So how did you find her after 120 years?" Alexi asked.
"Your granddaughter came to me after Leila's funeral. I was there to keep a promise I made to her. She told me that her grandmother said, 'If you ever see that man, you have to tell him this. I've seen what her loyalty towards you has done. It's nearly killed her. I understand hw she can love you, but I swear that if you have to kill her as a vampire, I will make your unworthy life a miserable Hell. She's barely alive now, and after so long, she still screams your name.'
"After that, my mind was suddenly opened, and all those years of Inga's screams hit me. I thought my head would split. Once I recovered, I asked where she was. Your granddaughter said she was here--the old ruins in 'Carmilla's Mountains'."
"Good girl," Alexi whispered and smirked.
"Can you care for her one more day?" D asked.
"She'll be completely turned tomorrow," Alexi replied.
"I know. That's why I need you to take care of her a little longer. All the vampire's be there to watch, right?"
Alexi nodded.
"And the leader?"
Alexi nodded, then gave a one-sided grin.
D kissed Inga's forehead gently before reluctantly leaving her, but knowing that she was in capable hands.