A few hours later Gabriel, Nicola and Carl sat anxiously waiting in the library. Jameson had brought some tea but it remained untouched. Just then the door opened and a somewhat bedraggled Vladislaus stepped inside. He was drenched through from the rain that beat down relentlessly outside but he looked triumphant.
"He's alone in there – no guards – nothing," the Count said as he sat down near the fire and Nicola draped a warm shawl over his shoulders. "I don't think we should under estimate him. He would know that you'd come after him. He must have some power or weapon to use against you. Luckily I have something to help in our endeavour. You might not like it Gabriel but it is the best way to help your daughter!" He stood and rang the bell.
Jameson appeared in the doorway and looked at the Count as he waited for orders.
"Jameson, please have the crate in my chamber brought here. Be careful though - do not open or damage it in anyway!"
The butler nodded and swiftly left the room to carry out his instructions. Dracula stood and moved to a bookshelf. Pulling on one of the texts he opened a secret compartment. From this he withdrew an ancient looking manuscript and two small vials. With these in hand he moved back towards the group.
"Carl, please take good care of this," he said, handing the Friar one of the vials, "it is the cure that will bring me back afterwards."
"After what?" asked the young man, thinking he probably wouldn't want to know the answer.
Dracula remained quite for a moment as he cleared a space in the centre of the room and poured the contents on the second vial in a large circle around him. Just then two servants heaved the crate in and, at their Lord's direction, they placed it in the circle with him.
"In this crate is a demon – or rather the pure essence of a demon; a vampire," Vladislaus explained. "I created it back when I was undead from the demonic parts of many vampires that I killed for the purpose. Pure dark magic. I shall allow it to enter my body. I will then have not only vampiric powers but the gift of magic too. The vial Carl has is the cure. It must be administered before 24 hours have passed.
"If it is longer?" asked Carl nervously.
"Then the demon gains control of me," Vladislaus replied calmly. "So don't be late," he added with a slight frown.
"My lord, you know what I think of this plan," Nicola said slowly. "Why must it be you?"
"I know what it is to have a demonic presence inside me," he countered, "and so I will control it best." He paused. "Truly, there is nothing to worry about my bride. We will get the cure for Arene then I'll be restored."
Gabriel had remained silent all this while but now he spoke. "Very well –let's do it!" he declared.
Dracula nodded then gestured for them to step back. He began an incantation in Sumerian from the text. The crate began to shake violently and a bright light emerged from between the boards. Dracula threw the book aside and leant down to open the lock.
Nicola saw her chance and, as the lock clicked open, she ran into the circle, knocking Vladislaus out. The others looked on aghast as a thick black smoke enveloped her. She was raised slightly from the ground as the smoke entered through her nose and mouth. Her hair changed colour to a startling bright red and her eyes turned black. They were pure black – no sign of iris or pupil. Her skin was a brilliant white. The smoke disappeared at last and she stood there, looking at the three men.