Van Helsing turned and ran from the balcony and back down to the ballroom doors. "Break the door down!" he shouted.
"With pleasure," said Drake, his eyes glittering.
Within minuets, Van Helsing was kneeling beside Rachael. "Oh Rachael," her breathed.
Drake touched the side of her neck.
"Is she alive?" asked Van Helsing.
"Barely," Drake said softly. "The blow to her neck must have been too much." Drake shook his head.
"No," said Van Helsing. "She won't die." His voice was soft but firm. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cloth. "You know why?" he asked softly, talking to no one imparticular. Gently he wiped the blood away from her mouth. "Because I love her."
"Van Helsing…"
Slowly Van Helsing bent down and kissed her gently.
Drake watched. He knew what would happen if Van Helsing kissed her. But he didn't know what would happen afterward.
Van Helsing gently touched her cheek. "Rachael, I love you," he said softly. "Please, wake up."
Rachael's hand moved slightly. Then she reached up and touched Van Helsing's cheek.
He grabbed her hand and held onto it as if it where a lifeline in the midst of an ocean.
Her eyes opened slowly and she stared up at him. "Van Helsing." A smile stretched over her face.
"I'm still alive," he said softly. He smiled. "I'm still alive!"
Her hand came up again and she touched her lips. "You kissed me?"
"Yes."
"Then I love you."
"You do?" Faint amusement lurked in Van Helsing's dark eyes.
Slowly Rachael sat up. She winced as she moved her head. "Is he dead?"
"Yes," said Drake. He and Van Helsing helped her to her feet.
Van Helsing tilted Rachael's chin and looked at her neck. There was a large purple bruise along with three scratches.
Rachael went over and looked at Vladan. Then she rose. "I'm none the worse for the wear."
"He is though," said Drake.
Van Helsing wrapped a large hand around Rachael's small arm and tugged her close. He kissed her again.
Rachael gasped in surprise. But the gasp was cut off as she closed her eyes and her arms went around his neck.
Drake smiled slightly.
A vampire came into the room. "My Lord?"
Van Helsing and Rachael looked up.
"Yes?" asked Drake.
"The castle is ruins."
"Any survivors?" asked Drake.
"No," said Rachael.
Drake looked at her.
"I killed Vladan. None survived." Rachael looked up at Van Helsing. "We did what we set out to do."
"Yes. I did," said Van Helsing.