Nicola had finally been able to calm down because of the holy water. Arene knelt beside her friend on the bed and stroked her head as she turned to her father, tears in her eyes.

"Please, try to understand this. She has been under attacks from Dracula's brides somehow. It's like they came back from the dead and tried to kill her because Dracula confessed his love for her. They're insanely jealous. I know you said I couldn't let Nicola come, but she's dying and I had to. Please you have to help."

Van Helsing glared at his daughter slightly, he could not be angry with her, but he was not pleased either.

"You should not have done that," he said, his voice strong. Arene bowed her head in shame. Van Helsing's gaze soften and gently lifted her head with one finger,

"You are without a doubt my child."

Arene smiled and hugged her father tightly.

"Then you can help her?"

"I will have to speak to the Cardinal. Not even he can ignore this."

"No, I can not," a voice came in through the doorway. Cardinal Jenenti stood there, a look on his face. It was neither a look of happiness nor of anger. He entered the room and looked down at Nicola's sleeping figure as he made the sign of the cross and turned to Arene. He approached her and put his hands on her shoulders.

"You disobeyed me, my child," he said in a sad voice.

Nicola had finally opened her eyes and took in the moment around her. She could see the Cardinal talking to Arene and sat up in bed, about to defend her. Van Helsing put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head.

Arene looked the Cardinal in the eye.

"I am so sorry, your honour. But she's my friend and I had to. I would not let her die. Please forgive me."

The Cardinal looked at her and smiled.

"Sometimes, in order to serve God, you must break laws and help those in need. You truly are your father's daughter." Then a small smile crept into the edge of his mouth. Arene stared at him.

"You knew I was going to help her, didn't you!!!!!!!" she demanded.

"Of course I did. I just wanted to see what you would do first. How do you do, Miss Nicola?" he asked, turning his attention to the girl on the bed.

She nodded her head.

"Fine, thank you, your eminence," she replied, "and I thank you for going easy on Arene."

"What? Did you think I was going to expel her from the Order? No, not even close. And yes, you may stay."

Arene threw her arms around the cardinal and hugged him tightly. Nicola turned to Van Helsing.

"Is she allowed to do that?" Nicola asked. Gabriel just shrugged.

The Cardinal looked at them as Arene stopped hugging him.

"We will need to do research on this and find out why Dracula's brides can come back. But, I do believe we can help you Nicola."

Nicola smiled with relief.

"Thank you so much.... but what about-"

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOD??!?!?" another voice came into the room.

Everyone turned to the door and Arene finished the sentence.

"My over protective godfather."