The statement itself had been bold. He couldn't believe how bold. More importantly he wanted to know. He wanted to know who this girl was and how she knew him. Van Helsing stared at the girl suspiciously. He then became aware of the thin knowing smile on her face.

Before he could even ask she said again, " You are one touched by the curse."

" I don't know what you are talking about," said VanHelsing, waiting to see her reaction.

It seemed as though the girl would not be tricked. She continued the smile as she said, " But you are one touched by the curse for only one touched by itwould react so to my amulet."

Before shecould reactVan Helsing grabbed her andpulled her up. Dangerously he looked into her eyes to see if there was something in them.He saw no evil, merely understanding.

" How is it that you know me?" he demanded.

Thegirl's face slightly lost it's smile. Calmly she said, " I do not know you. Only the monster that you are."

VanHelsing looked at her in disbelief.

"I amno monster," he said.

" Not now," replied the girl, " But upon the full moon you shall be."

"If I am a monster," demanded Van Helsing, " Then how is it you are not afraid of me?"

" I have the presence of the curse, " replied the girlsaddness seeping into her voice, " So I have no fear of you."

As she said this VanHelsing instantly placed his gun to her. In his mind shehad just admitted to being a werewolf and not safe. The girl's eyes for a moment flashed with fear, and then seemed to await the end. At that moment Anna walked into the room.

" Van Helsing!" she cried asshe ran to him. Grabbing his armshe courageously stopped him from firing his bullet.

" Van Helsing, don't," she said asshe grabbed on tohim. Without resistance he let Anna grab the gun, more out of fear that he would hurt her. Once she had the gun, however, he turned on her.

" What are you doing, Anna?" he exclaimed as Anna finally took the gun from him.

" The question asked is what are you doing? You were going to shoot Sebra!" exclaimed Anna just asamazed.

" The child is dangerous. Whatwere you thinking havinga werewolf here?"

" Werewolf!"exclaimed Anna in shock.Looking at Sebrashe saw the girl give a light shrug and smile. Suddenly she realized what had happened.

" Sebra is not a werewolf," she saidsoothingly, trying to calm Van Helsing down, " She is touched by the curse though."

" How is it," demanded Van Helsing, "That she can be touched by the curse and not be a werewolf.?"

"Because my father was a werewolf," said Sebra suddenly.

Van Helsing looked back at her as did Anna. Sighing Anna prepared for Sebra's outburst.

" My father was a werewolf," repeated Sebra, " And because he was bitten before he and my mother married he did not turncompletely into a wolf before I was concieved."

" Sebra," interupted Anna.

" No," replied Sebra and harshly indicating towards Van Helsing, "If this man believes me a werewolf than let him knowwhat Itruly am!"

Van Helsing said nothingas she continued, " And because my father had the curse but was not transformed somehowI was given the knowledge of the wolf, and it's fearlessness.so sir, if you wish to strike me do. If not then put yourweapon down."

Van Helsing looked at the girl for a moment. He had looked into her eyes, and had sensed no evil from her. No, she merely had a wildness and bravery that was unsusual. Sighing he lowered his gun.

"If you truly are intuned to the werewolf then you know their nature," he said.

" Yes, in a way," replied the girl.

" Then tell me is ita werewolf that..." henever got to finish his sentence.At that moment a horrible scream had sounded through the hall. A scream that seemed to come from Carl's room.