"My dear!"

Nicola looked up from where she lay stretched across the bed and saw her lord there, smiling down at her. She returned the smile and sat up.

"I was waiting," she stated simply. Nothing else mattered to her - just the man in front of her.

"I know," he replied. "You have been very good my dear and you drank all that I left for you."

"Is there anymore?" Nicola found herself asking.

"All in good time," said Dracula, a smile playing at his lips and a glint in his eye. "I have come to grant all your wishes. Everything you've ever longed for will be yours once this night is over."

"I am yours forever," she whispered as he moved onto the bed next to her.

"I know," he responded as he leant towards her, nestling against her neck.

Nicola felt a sharp pain as he pierced her skin and could not suppress another moan.

"The pain will soon be over," his voice rang in her head, "and we will be together always."

The room span around her and Nicola lost track of time until she was suddenly aware of him moving away from her slightly. She tried to follow his movements but her eyes would not focus. Strong arms encircled her and lifted her up. "Drink." Dracula pressed his wrist against her mouth and a trickle of blood began to run from the wound he had made there. As it hit her lips a thirst like none she had ever known awakened within her and she clamped her mouth against his skin, sucking hard to try and get more blood to quench her insatiable thirst. She cried out in anguish as he pulled away and got up from the bed. The blood she had consumed was pounding in her ears and a feeling of complete euphoria had come over her. But still...she wanted more.

"You shall have more, my dear, very soon," said Dracula reading her thoughts, "but first you must rest a moment while your body completes its changes. Then we will hunt together, my bride."

Nicola lay back down on the bed and closed her eyes. Everything was so different. She could see everything, hear everything. A whole new world had opened up before her and she would discover it soon with her lord's help and love. Somewhere a heartbeat echoed round a deserted corridor. She searched with her mind but couldn't focus on it. It could wait. First she needed to sleep...

Arene raced up the stairway as fast as she could, her heart almost pounding outside her chest. The sound of Van Helsing's voice still echoed in her ears and kept her strong. She would not fall pray to the Count and she would save Nicola if it meant her very life. The clothes Dracula had given her were lighter and allowed her to move faster up the stairs. Finally she reached a large oak door and opened it. Inside she found a lovely 18th century room and a large bed in the middle. A figure lay upon it.

"NICOLA!" Arene screamed and rushed to her friend's side. She placed her fingers to Nicola's neck trying to find a pulse. She was breathing, but no pulse came to Arene's fingertips. Tears filled her eyes.

"Oh, Nicola," she began to cry, "what has he done to you?"

Knowing she had to get help as soon as she could she turned and rushed to open the door. She had to find someone to help Nicola. Just as she opened the door and tried to run out a figure stood in her path.

"Dracula," she breathed.

"Ah, my dear," Dracula said, his smile deepening and his fangs growing long, "what perfect timing."

Dracula pressed on into the room, forcing Arene backwards till he was able to close the door, shutting the three of them in together.

Nicola was aware of her lord's presence nearby and opened her eyes as she sat up in the bed. She smiled warmly at her lord but the smile changed to a frown as she saw the young woman at his side. Something about her was familiar but she couldn't quite place her. Why bother trying? Her lord would explain all. She gave Dracula a questioning look and watched as a malicious smile passed over his face. He glanced at Arene then returned his gaze to his bride as he stepped towards her.

"It is time for you to feed again my dear," he stated as he drew her towards him and Arene.

Nicola stepped towards Arene. She was so hungry and she could hear the blood coursing through the girl's veins. Something was wrong though. Deep down she felt that she couldn't harm her. It was as if she was her...friend...

Nicola paused and Dracula stepped towards her. "What are you waiting for? Take her now!!"

Nicola continued to stare at the young girl, trying to place her. She knew that she knew this girl from.... somewhere, she just couldn't remember. Dracula patience was growing thin. If Nicola did not feed on her soon than she would surely remember and the Count could not have Arene live. He gently went to Nicola's side and spoke to her in a warm, coaxing voice.

"I know you are weak, my love, but this girl cannot run away from you. You must feed on her!"

Nicola took in the sound of her Lord's voice and came closer towards Arene, but stopped again. Arene looked desperately at Nicola.

"Please.... You have to fight his hold on you."

Nicola looked at the girl again.

"I know you... where?"

Arene tried to explain.

"It's me, Arene. Nicola, don't you remember? We met at the party tonight. We were trying to stop from Dracula from harming any of the other girls. He chose you to be his queen, but you have to fight him! Nicola, please.... I'm your friend."