The man seemed to smile and shrug. "Who am I? I'm not exactly sure."

Arene nodded. "I understand. I'm not sure of who I am anymore. Just now.... I was told the truth. Something my family has not told me for years! I finally learned who I really am.... and I don't even who my family was anymore."

The man nodded in understanding, he tried to come closer to her. She only backed away, still unsure if she could trust this man or not. He nodded and smiled at her. "How old are you?"

She looked at him strangely. "What?"

He repeated his question, a little gentler than before. Arene looked at him and then spoke.

"I'm fifteen."

He smiled. "My God, has it really been that long? Look at you, you've got your mothers beautiful eyes." He came forward again, his hand outstretched. This time, Arene did not pull away. She just watched as he touched a strand of her golden hair. His smile seemed to grow and then fade slightly as he knelt before her.

"I'm sorry if I have not been there for you in the past, you have understand..."

"Please tell me who you are," Arene said suddenly.

The man looked up at her as she came closer, she so desperately wanted to put her hands in his. She wanted to feel his arms wrapped around her in a hug, his voice soothe her to sleep every night.

"Sir, for the last 15 years, I have been lied to, deceived, hurt, alone, used... everything. The last time I felt happiness and love was the morning before my mother died. I just want to know the truth, for once... please tell me who you are... and how you know me... please."

The man took off his hat and took a few paces around the room before stopping and looking at Arene once more.

"My name," he said at last, "is Gabriel Van Helsing."

Arene stared, unable to believe what she had just heard. Van Helsing. It was really he; he had really come for her.

It was a bit surprised when she ran forward, wrapping her arms around him but he soon hugged her back and they stood like that for a moment.

"Listen, we should get you out of here," he said suddenly. "I'll get you to safety then I'll return and deal with Dracula once and for all!"

"We have to help Nicola too!" Arene asserted as she looked up at him.

"Nicola? That new bride of his? But she's evil; a vampire!"

"It's not her fault!" Arene cried. "I should have helped her more. She is my friend!"

Just then the door swung open and the lamps blew out, plunging the room into darkness. Reflexively Gabriel reached for his weapon and at the same time he pushed Arene behind him.

"Hello Gabriel," a voice came from the darkness.

"No more games, Count," Gabriel called back. "Reveal yourself and fight me face to face if you dare."

"So much trouble to my master, so much trouble," Nicola's voice rang out, echoing round the room.

"Nicola!" Arene said desperately, "Nicola, you have to fight his hold on you, remember who you are. I am your friend!"

She jumped back in terror as something brushed past her then she shrieked as Gabriel was hit and sent flying across the room. Just then Nicola came up behind her, grabbing her arms and the lights came back on. Looking round she saw Van Helsing slumped against the wall and watched as Dracula approached him, with a smirk on his face.

Arene concentrated all her mind on reaching Nicola. She spoke silently to her friend, knowing that she could hear her.

"Nicola, we have to help Van Helsing, you have to release me. Gabriel and I will help you if we can. Just let me go please!!"

Something, a vague memory stirred in Nicola's mind. She seemed to remember first seeing this girl. They had been together in a cage. As she pondered this she released her grip slightly.

Arene nearly wept for joy when she heard the reply in her head. "Very well, I will help you escape but you must not attempt to harm my lord!"

Arene felt the hands leave her arms and she watched as Nicola approached Dracula.

"My lord," Nicola said coaxingly, "come here a moment won't you?"