Nicola saw her chance. Kneeling down she looked at Van Helsing.

"Save her but DO NOT harm my lord."

She used her sharp nails and sliced through the bonds that held the man with ease.

Van Helsing felt his restraints fall away and stood quickly...

Dracula's fangs had reached their length as he went for Arene's neck. The sleeping girl had not stirred from her position and it was clear she was not going to. Van Helsing quietly and quickly got to his feet, unknown to the Count.

"Farewell," Dracula whispered as he went in for the kill, his fangs an inch away from victory.

Suddenly, Dracula felt something... or someone slam into him, forcing him to drop the girl's body. The figured slammed him into the wall before jumping away. Dracula looked up to see Van Helsing, a switchblade in his hand (to cover up the fact that Nicola had helped him), anger on his face. Nicola kept her mind clear to protect her and Arene. Van Helsing looked at Dracula with such anger,

"I will make you pay for harming her! For harming my..." He stopped talking as he heard soft moans from across the room. Arene was finally waking up! He ran to her side at once, cradling her in his arms. Very slowly, she opened her eyes,

"Van Helsing," she smiled, her voice soft. "I knew you wouldn't let me die."

He smiled at her as tears fell down his face.

"I was so afraid I had lost you. I'm so sorry, Arene."

"Don't be," she laughed. "I was the one who ran off. I just thought... if I could hold off Dracula... I had to make sure you would be safe."

Van Helsing smiled... then, he did something Arene had not had done to her in years. He gently kissed her on the forehead.

"From now on," he said in a strong voice, "I will always be there for you. You'll never be alone again."

"Of course she won't be alone!" Dracula said, standing up and looking at them. "You're both going to the same place!"

Van Helsing stood too, helping Arene up. He reached into his coat and pulled out a crucifix which he handed to Arene.

"Here," he said. "Incase we get separated."

Arene grasped the cross in her hands. This was it - only one of the two could come out of this alive. She realised at that moment that she couldn't keep her promise to Nicola. It was either Dracula or Van Helsing and she had no choice. The Count had to be destroyed. She glanced across at Nicola and saw her give a sad smile and a nod of her head. She understood. They had to choose sides now.