Disclaimer- Once again, none of this is mine. It all belongs to the people who made the movie.

The old women came and took my hand, "You look so pale, child. Here, follow me to my house and I'll make you some tea."

I wasn't cold, so why was my face so ashy and pale? My eyes had no sparkle in them, no life. I felt strangely hollow inside, ever since I came to this town.

I followed her into a small cottage outside of town; she sat me down in one of her chairs as she brewed some tea in the hearth.

"You shouldn't listen to them," she laughed, "They're just suspicious, that's all. Strange things have been taking place for the past week."

I nibbled a piece of cake that she had placed on the table, "I don't know what is so threatening about me."

She brought the kettle over and said, "Nothing dear, strangers just aren't treated the best here." She poured me a cup of tea and thanked her, "You look so dreadfully pale, are you ill?"

I looked up from my tea, which I had been sipping, "I don't feel ill, and I am not cold."

She frowned but then it turned back into a benevolent smile. I decided to change the subject, "What is your name ma'am?"

"Helga Brakshtien," she said as she fiddled with her tattered gloves, "My husband is at the mill, but he'll be home shortly."

"Thank you for your kindness, Helga." I smiled.

"Are you sure you do not feel well?" she asked again.

"I'm fine," I said a little annoyed, "Honestly, don't fret."

"Well," she sighed, "If you say so."

It was beginning to become dark, so I thanked Helga once again and promised that I would visit her tomorrow.

As I left, the air became thick and the sun set behind the clouds. The walk back to the inn wasn't very long, but I began to grow nervous. Was I really that gaunt at Helga's house? Why was I feeling so empty inside, feeling no emotion when I smiled or grew angry? I shivered as the snow began to fall again. I stopped to slip on my gloves, but I heard something behind me.

"You shouldn't be wandering alone," said a cold voice, heavy with a deep Transylvanian accent, "Especially at this time of night."

I turned around; the abrupt voice had frightened me. In front of me stood a man with raven hair, pulled back. His face was also very pale, and his eyes were dark pools of mystery. His clothing was dark like his presence. I didn't trust him.

"I can manage for myself," I said while avoiding eye contact, "Thank you for your concern, but the inn isn't very far." I began to walk again, hoping to lose him. Only to find that when I looked up, he was there in front of me again, "Really," I wavered, "I'll be alright."

He laughed with an icy hiss which made me shudder, "Where are you headed?"

Afraid he would keep following, I lied, "No where in particular."

He almost seemed to float over and lifted my chin up with his index finger, it felt very cold and made my skin crawl, and yet I could not draw away, my feet felt anchored to the Earth. "Your name dear?"

"Alexia," I said, almost blurted.

"Alexia," he repeated stroking my cheekbones with his thumb, "What a pretty name."

I gasped as I struggled to break free of the invisible chains that held me close to him, "I...I really must be going." But I didn't want to leave, something kept me there. His charm perhaps?

"You look cold, my dear." He whispered, "So very pale."

I pushed him away, "Why is every one saying that!? I'm fine!" I almost shouted, but I wasn't exactly angry. "Please sir, I must go." and with that, I burst off and ran as fast as I can. I couldn't hear any footsteps behind me, so I stopped running when I reached the square. I walked into the inn, gasping for air and say down and buried my head in my arms. I wiped a few tears from my eyes and headed up to my room to recollect my thoughts.

I locked my door behind me in fears that the man would come looking for me. Such a strange encounter left me sleepless for the rest of the night.