Dracula was standing by the fire in Valerious Manor, the flames reflected in his emotionless black eyes, his hands crossed behind his back. The cold night air blowing through the open window did not not chill him, nor did it rustle his perfect hair.
Jemmy landed on the windowsill, blood still pouring from her wounds. She transformed back to a human, her face showing her fear. Dracula didn't turn around. His voice was cool when he spoke.
"Did you bring me Gabriel Van Helsing?"
She shook her head, her voice barely audible. "No, Vladislaus."
"Did you kill Gabriel Van Helsing?"
"No, Vladislaus."
"Why did you not perform the task I set you, Jemmy, darling?" he asked acidly.
She gave a low whimper. He turned to her, his eyes bright with rage, his mouth stretched to reveal his long, deadly fangs.
"Answer me!" he roared.
She reluctantly raised her eyes to his. "His lover came. It complicated things, Vladislaus, I was not prepared!"
"His lover? He has replaced Anna Valerious?" Dracula asked slowly, his rage disappearing, his fangs slowly retracting.
"Yes, Vladislaus."
"Tell me, Jemmy, who is the lucky woman?"
"It is no woman, Vladislaus. It is a man, a friar."
A small smile crossed Dracula's face. "Carl. Things get better and better, my darling."