Dracula stepped closer to Arene, his hunger apparent.

"Finally, the last of the Van Helsing blood line will die!" he declared triumphantly.

At that moment Gabriel saw his opportunity. He knew that the Count's bride had seen him and didn't understand why she kept quiet. He didn't have time to worry about that though. Instead he steadied himself and prepared to jump down.

Nicola wasn't sure why she didn't tell her master of this...development. She guessed it was because here was a way to save her friend without incurring her lord's wrath. Van Helsing would save Arene for her. Her job in this would be to protect her lord from this Knight of the Holy Order. She moved swiftly to Dracula's side, ready to step in front of him if need be. Whatever else happened she would stay true to him and not allow any harm to come to him if she could help it.

It was time thought Van Helsing as the Count moved closer to his descendant. With this thought he leapt down...

Arene backed away as far as she could, her back hitting a wall. She knew she had run out of room, this was it, but she would not go without a fight.

"You won't have me, Count," she said, trying to stand her ground, but Dracula was advancing too quickly.

"No, I truly think I will." he said, his hands extending to her throat, "and I shall enjoy every moment of it!"

Just as he was about to grab her, a figure swung down from the rafters and knocked Dracula off his feet. The Count hit the wall while the figure stood up and pulled a sliver cross out of his coat, hoping to hold Dracula off. Nicola could feel the object's power at once and was forced to look away. He used his other arm to defend Arene from the Count in case he was able to get to his feet again.

"I would advise you to keep your hands off this child," the man said in a deep voice, anger ringing through it. It was strange... Arene could have sworn she knew that voice! "It is not her you have a score to settle with."

Arene couldn't believe it. She came closer... it wasn't.... it couldn't be..... He took his eyes off Dracula for a second and made direct eye contact with her. His eyes softened and his voice became a little gentler. He knelt down and looked her in the eye. He gently took her hand in his and smiled.

"I'm sorry it's been so long," he whispered. "Please forgive me."

Arene's eyes widened in realization as Dracula stood up and smiled evilly.

"Ah," he said, his fangs still long. "Hello Gabriel."

"It was been too long since our last meeting," Dracula continued with ease. If he was at all perturbed by the sudden appearance of the Knight of the Holy Order he didn't show it.

"You shall not harm this child of mine," countered Gabriel in an equally relaxed manner. His anger had overcome him before but now he was in control again. "I have killed you before Count and I shall do so again."

At this Nicola let out a small cry and rushed forward in front of her lord, trying to shield him from the other man.

"There, there, my bride," he said soothingly, stroking her hair, "do not worry. I have returned from death the last two times and besides, this time it will be ME doing the killing."

Nicola remained alert despite this and found herself hissing at Van Helsing as she bared her fangs.