The fourth chapter is up! I hope it was worth the wait ;) Thank you all for your support, I cherish every comment you send me

Many thanks to IDemon from Discord who betareaded this chapter.

Enjoy!


It was standing before them, like a massive monster about to engulf them. The castle was a crumbling old thing with dark walls, terrifying gargoyles and grand arched buildings with sweeping windows. On every side, ornate towers loomed over the landscape. The castle must look quite impressive in day time, but the night made it look like one of these haunted castles from gothic stories. Maybe they were in one, Alfred thought wryly.

Professor Abronsius had been quite excited when he first saw the castle, but Alfred didn't share the feeling.

"Now, my boy, I have a plan!" Abronsius frantically told him. "We must sneak into the castle, and this is where you come into play! You must go and find a way for us to get in without being noticed!"

Alfred froze. "Me?" he anxiously asked.

"Of course! Did you expect me to do this task? No, no, my boy… It must be your duty! You're young and full of energy!"

Alfred didn't feel like either of those things. While the snow stopped hours before they left the inn, the winter wind was blowing harshly and the cold seemed to get to him despite his multiple layers of clothes. His teeth were chattering, his whole body was shivering, and he couldn't quite feel his fingertips.

"Go, boy! What are you waiting for?" Abronsius huffed impatiently.

Alfred repressed a discouraged sigh and took a step forward, then another, staring at the imposing castle. Where to begin…

Then with a thunderous noise, the castle's doors opened before their eyes, revealing a tall and pale figure.

Alfred expected the Count von Krolock to appear before them, emerging from the shadowy entry hall like the devil himself from the darkness of hell, but the man he saw looked very different - long silvery-blond hair framed his aquiline nose, striking cheekbones, and green-blue eyes. He was dressed in lavender shades from head to toe, and smiled like he was used to being the center of attention - he was attractive, he knew he was attractive, and he wanted the whole world to know he was attractive.

"Welcome, gentlemen," the man greeted them. "I am Herbert, the master of the castle and its land."

Alfred froze where he stood, not daring to utter a word. Thankfully for him, Abronsius was happy to take the lead. His mentor had an eternal air of confidence that made him seem immune to fear and anxiety, which Alfred envied. He wished he could look as confident as his mentor even though he wasn't – one only had to look brave in order to reap the benefits.

"Good evening, my good sir," the Professor returned the greeting with a clear, confident voice. "We are foreigners conducting scientific research in Transylvania, and we stumbled upon your castle. Impressive! Gothic, am I right? 13th century?"

Herbert arched an eyebrow. "Indeed. You seem well-informed. Few are the people who can appreciate and recognize the castle's true value."

"You could say I'm a sort of connoisseur. I am Professor Friedrich Abronsius from the university of Koenigsberg. I am also a scientist and the author of The Bat: Its Mysteries. Have you heard of it?"

"I can't say I do," Herbert said apologetically, though his expression was unchanged. "I'm much more of a novel reader. Scientific books don't hold much of an appeal for me."

Abronsius looked aghast and disappointed at these words. He could understand someone not hearing of his book – he wasn't well known outside Prussia, and even in his own country, he was more often mocked than respected – but preferring fictional books over scientific works? It was unthinkable in his eyes. If the situation wasn't serious, Alfred might have found it quite amusing.

He stilled when Herbert turned to face him - his piercing eyes scrutinized Alfred from head to toe, and a wicked smile was forming on his lips. The smile reminded Alfred uncomfortably of the way a predator would bear its teeth with delight upon seeing prey.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Herbert purred.

Either Abronsius hadn't noticed Herbert's change in demeanor, or he didn't consider it worth worrying about. Maybe he should follow the professor's lead. "This is Alfred, my assistant," he introduced him with a polite cheerfulness.

"Enchanté," Herbert greeted in flawless French, nodding his head as he did.

"Err… nice to meet you too," Alfred nervously answered.

Herbert's smile widened, his eyes strangely glinting while examining him once again. He seemed to delight in Alfred's nervousness.

After a moment that seemed like an eternity, he finally turned to face the professor once again, and Alfred had to hold back a relieved sigh. "I admit I am quite surprised to find you outside, most of all in this late hour and this weather. What exactly are you researching?"

"We are currently researching bats," Abronsius replied with confidence. Alfred could trust him to make his answer believable, knowing his mentor's love for bats.

"Bats?" Whatever Herbert had been expecting, Alfred could tell bats were the latest things on his mind.

"Bats are a passion of mine. You can learn much from them, they are quite an interesting species, and I wish to write another book on them. Bats are nocturnal creatures, you see, and there are some fascinating species in this area I wish to study."

Alfred thought wryly that technically, the professor wasn't lying. In a way, they were actually looking for a bat. A vampire bat.

Herbert quietly regarded them, staring at some point beyond them as if deep in thought. Nothing on his face revealed what he thought of Abronsius's answer - maybe he was wondering about the truth of the professor's claims. Alfred anxiously wondered what would happen if Herbert did not believe them. If he really was what he suspected he was… things wouldn't end very well for the both of them.

"Well, gentlemen," Herbert finally said, "in this case, you are welcome to stay in my home as long as you need."

Alfred's head snapped up in surprise. Abronsius looked surprised as well, but pleasantly so.

"We thank you, sir. The offer is most appreciated," Abronsius said, bowing as he did. (Alfred mimicked him.) "May I ask, sir, for our kind host's name?" he inquired through his spectacles.

Herbert smiled to himself, as if recalling a private joke. "It is a name so ancient that foreigners such as you wouldn't be able to pronounce it."

Abronsius wasn't ready to give up. "Of course… of course! But I must insist! Addressing you in such a familiar manner would be quite inconsiderate of us!"

"I must insist, then, to call me "sir" in this case," Herbert politely told him, though the way he looked at Abronsius showed that the subject was now over. "Now come, I will show you your rooms."

Abronsius shared a meaningful glance with Alfred, they both silently agreed on how suspicious it seemed. However, they couldn't quite voice their opinion on the matter, and stepped inside the castle to follow their host.

The sound of the heavy doors of the castle closing behind them roared like thunder, marking their doom.

They walked inside the entrance hall. It was quite literally shrouded in darkness, save a few candelabras here and there, so Alfred couldn't see much besides the great and majestic staircase before him. While they were now sheltered from the weather, the castle was cold and humid as they followed Herbert. The corridors looked like black murder alleys, and the castle was so big Alfred was sure he and his old companion could spend days without seeing each other - which was a possibility he didn't wantto consider at all, especially in a place possibly occupied by vampires.

He remained silent as they walked, trying not to dwell on the castle's dark alleys and gloomy appearance, happy to let Abronsius do all the talking. He enthusiastically babbled about anything: features of the castle that caught his interest, their imaginary quest for bats, his work at the university of Koenigsberg. Their strange host politely listened, humming and nodding but judging from the – discreet but still there – irritated look and his small talk, Alfred could see Herbert was beginning to get annoyed, a fact Abronsius was blissfully unaware of.

They halted before a door, and Herbert gestured at Alfred. "This is your room. A fire has been lit for you comfort. Please make yourself at ease." Then, to Abronsius: "I will bring you to your room."

Alfred paused as he considered Herbert's words. Did that mean he won't share a room with Abronsius? He would've welcomed he prospect of having his very own room - ever since he started travelling with his mentor months ago, he never had a place or a moment to himself. He completely understood - they had to be careful with their money, and most of the inns they stayed at only owned a couple of rooms. But staying in a single room, alone, without another comforting presence nearby? He wasn't sure he liked that…

"But…" he started to say.

"The rooms communicate. You will find your way to each other in no time," Herbert said, before turning to Abronsius. "Follow me."

Alfred and Abronsius shared one last look before the darkness of the alley engulfed Herbert and the professor.


Alfred looked around the room that had been given to him. It was big, bigger than the apartment he rented back in Koenigsberg. The first thing he noticed was the bed – large enough for a family of five, surrounded by curtains on every side, luxurious in a muted sort of way, and promising perfect privacy.

The room had two long windows with open curtains that were thick and richly embroidered. Most of the furniture appeared to be made from a very refined-looking dark and polished material. He noticed a large desk, an even larger wardrobe (upon closer inspection, it contained outdated clothes that were probably the height of fashion a couple of decades ago), a nightstand on each side of the bed, and even a cupboard. At the foot of his bed was his suitcase, waiting for him like a loyal hound.

The walls were decorated with shiny wallpaper in deep red and dark colours. Fire crackled in the fireplace on the other side of the room, chasing the cold out of Alfred's bones. There were also a couple of candles here and there (placed so he had light to read by, he imagined). Everything looked like it had been recently dusted off and thoroughly cleaned.

Despite the gloomy aspect of the castle, the room looked comfortable, and was certainly the most wonderful and luxurious place he had ever seen or stayed in.

However, upon looking at the lit fireplace and the cleaned room, Alfred had the sudden thought that both of them had been expected, and the realisation filled him with dread.

"Is the room to your liking?" asked a smooth voice behind him.

Alfred jumped and turned around, his heart pounding madly in his chest like a scared rabbit. Herbert was looking at him, perched against the door frame with his arms crossed on his chest.

His blood went cold. Dozens of questions ran through his mind – Why didn't I hear him? Why is he here? What does he want? What should I do? and repressed the dark scenarios his mind was making up, where Herbert would smile to reveal sharp teeth and throw himself at Alfred before biting his throat. Having an active imagination could be such a nightmare!

Alfred realised how idiotic he must look, staring at his host with wide eyes and his mouth shut.

"Ah – yes, thank you," Alfred managed to reply, though his voice didn't sound as strong as he wanted it to be. His manners were his only weapon in this situation. The worst thing that could happen would be to end up offending his host with his rudeness and getting attacked as a result. Vampires were so unpredictable. He wasn't sure what to expect from Herbert.

Herbert looked at him, smiling in a way that wasn't very nice or reassuring. He looked like a cat observing a mouse. A particularly juicy mouse.

"Good. Do feel free to go to Koukol or myself if you are ever in need of something."

"Oh I – I wouldn't want to intrude!" Alfred answered, standing on the edge as Herbert invited himself into the room. Oh, where was Professor Abronsius when he needed him? He would know what to do!

"Nonsense! It would be my pleasure," Herbert answered and his smile was positively carnal. "What kind of host would I be if I didn't look after the well-being of my guest? After all, I want you to feel comfortable in my home, you might stay here for a while."

Alfred definitely didn't like the way Herbert insisted on the last word, nor did he like the idea of a permanent stay in the castle. His unease must have showed, for Herbert walked closer to him.

"How pale you look! Are you ill?"

Was he genuinely concerned or was he pretending?

"No, no… I'm fine," Alfred replied, taking a step behind. Truly, he was feeling rather unwell… The weather was cold and harsh, and while Alfred was in a much better state than he had been weeks ago, he felt he hadn't fully recovered. He hoped the trip they made to the castle wouldn't get him sick again. Now that they were to stay in a castle full of vampires – or so, he suspected – this was far from ideal. Showing any weakness to a vampire would be like baring his neck to a starving lion.

Herbert frowned, taking a step closer. Without warning, he took Alfred's hand in his, picking it up to his level as he examined it. Alfred froze and, for a second, wondered whether Herbert would kiss or bite his hand.

"I don't think so… You are as white as a corpse." His fingers gave Alfred's hand a slow and icy caress.

Alfred wasn't sure the choice of words was a coincidence. In any case, he didn't like it at all. "I'm sure I will feel better after a good night sleep!" he told him as he quickly withdrew his hand. His throat was getting itchy and he had to prevent himself from coughing.

Thankfully, Herbert didn't walk closer, instead looking at him from head to toe, humming as he did. Alfred wasn't sure he wanted to know what the blond man was thinking right now. Surely, if he really was a vampire and planned to kill them, he would have done it right away, and not given them a room, right?

Unless he had something more sinister in mind?

Alfred shivered at the thought and pushed it away from his mind from the time being.

"I'm sure it will," Herbert replied at last. "I don't wish to keep you from your much-needed rest, and will leave you for tonight." Oh, sweeter words had never been spoken! "I bid you a good night, Alfred."

He gracefully bowed, giving him a smile that would look nice if Alfred didn't suspect his true nature and intentions, and made his leave.

"Good… goodnight!" Alfred managed to say.

He let out a relieved breath the moment he disappeared and heard the sound of the door closing behind him.

Trying to recover from the strange situation he just endured, he knelt in front of his suitcase and opened it. He carefully looked inside, feeling relieved that all of his belongings were still there. He pulled out a pair of pyjamas and quickly undressed himself. While the fire was spreading its warmth, he found it difficult to warm himself, feeling waves of cold hitting at him.

He climbed on the bed and drew the covers over himself, hoping to get warm. The covers were old and, upon closer inspection, had a musty smell despite looking clean, but they were soft and thick and he buried himself inside them, wishing they could offer a safe haven of protection against the darkness and strangeness of the castle.

His head was pounding and his eyelids felt heavy. He felt so exhausted, he thought he could sleep for a hundred of years.

He closed his eyes and welcomed the sweet embrace of Morpheus' arms…


"Well, Vater," Herbert said as he entered the sitting-room, "you'll be pleased to know everything is going according to plan. The mice are inside the cage, if I might say so."

His father stood by a window, gazing out at the stars and the shadows of the night, dressed elegantly in his red waistcoat. He shifted when he heard his son approach.

"Good," Krolock replied. "I trust they haven't given you any trouble?"

"It was relatively easy," Herbert replied. "Though I have to say… that old professor seems awfully full of himself! He does love hearing himself talk. It was insufferable!"

Krolock scoffed in an amused way that didn't hide how risible he considered the man. "What about Alfred?" he asked.

While his tone suggested the young human man was an afterthought, Herbert knew better. Alfred was the one his father was the most concerned with, for reasons he didn't know yet. Granted, he was the cutest little thing Herbert had seen in a while and, if he wasn't careful, he might end up eating him up! However, he seemed like an ordinary lad, shy and insecure, almost hidden in his professor's shadow. A little mouse trying not to attract attention, cute, but harmless.

"The boy is a precious but anxious little thing, trying to hide his fear but failing to do so. He didn't look very good. I think the poor lad is getting sick, though he assured me he was feeling fine."

Krolock softly hummed, not letting anything betray his thoughts. Herbert hated when he acted so enigmatic. While they were father and son and travelled together into the sea of eternity, and Herbert was the one who knew him the best, his old father knew how to guard his thoughts like a dragon would jealously hide his treasure, and loved to cultivate an air of mystery he so loved.

"You don't seem surprised that they managed to find us," he said, trying to get a hold on his father's thoughts.

"I told you it was only a matter of time, didn't I? Either they would have found out on their own, or the innkeeper's daughter would have revealed them our location."

Herbert thought back on the subject. Little Sarah Chagal. The one his father had his sights on before. She was planned to be the victim of the next Midnight Ball. His father noticed her as soon as she came back from boarding school, and how could he not? The little girl had but blossomed into a beautiful young woman, like a flower in the first days of spring. Though Herbert's preferences laid elsewhere, he could recognize beauty when he saw it. She was young and beautiful and she yearned for passion, freedom and life. All of which her father prevented her from having and that Krolock could provide. Clearly, all the conditions were perfect for his old Vater to begin his seduction and have the girl into his hands and under his fangs.

Somehow and suddenly, everything changed when his father went missing and came back to the castle, claiming as he did that two guests were on their way. There were no more talk about the innkeeper's daughter, only about the two strangers.

"What are you planning to do with her?" Herbert asked, carefully looking out for any reaction his father might show, as brief as they could be.

"I don't plan to do anything with her. Not anymore," he answered while trying to sound nonchalant, but Herbert wasn't fooled. He recognized the look his father briefly had. It was a sensitive topic – he was embarrassed to admit it. He couldn't believe it! What was his Vater thinking? Why this sudden change of mind? What would it mean, for the Midnight Ball? If it was still planned…

He waited for his father to elaborate, but he didn't.

"What does this mean?" he prompted, urging his father for a clear, detailed answer.

He should have known better he wasn't going to get it.

"Let me worry about that, my son," Krolock told him. He had a small reassuring smile meant to appease Herbert, but his eyes had a warning look, advising Herbert against asking further questions.

Herbert sighed. He had the feeling the strangers's stay in the castle would only complicate things, but he knew that when his father had his mind on something, it was difficult – if not impossible – to stop him. His Vater was such an old stubborn vampire, like that… But who was he to disobey his father and Sire? It was wiser to back down and let things happen.

Maybe things would prove to be interesting…


Alfred woke up a couple of times during the night, numb with fever, feeling more sick than ever with his throat sore, his mouth dry, and his head burning from pain. As he feared, spending all those hours outside made his cold came back with a vengeance.

He managed to get up to find some water to drink before crawling back to bed, feeling so very exhausted and cold, despite the crackling fireplace still warming up the room. Welcoming the warmth and softness of his bed once again, he closed his eyes and fell into slumber.

He didn't know how much time passed when he regained consciousness once again, though he wouldn't call that conscious. He laid still on his bed, eyes closed, vaguely aware of something moving into the room. Exhaustion prevented him from moving or being alarmed by the noises. For all he knew, it could as well be a dream. In his current state, he had trouble discerning dreams from reality.

He felt an icy touch against his forehead, and it felt heavenly on his hot skin. It must be Professor Abronsius, Alfred mused, checking up on him. Maybe his mentor noticed how sick he looked and came to see how he was feeling.

The cold hand disappeared, and Alfred almost whined at the loss of it. He heard the rustle of cloth and the shuffle of feet as Abronsius moved closer to him.

He felt his mouth being torn open, then something cold was pressed against his lips. He could taste something liquid, thick and cold, moving down his throat. Alfred, who was in no condition to argue or move, blindly drank what Abronsius was giving him. His medicine tasted weird, like iron and ice. He wanted to close his mouth, but Abronsius forced him to keep drinking until he had enough.

Groaning, Alfred wriggled in his bed, his legs tangled into the covers before feeling a hand running on his forehead, relaxing him, the touch feeling soft and comforting against his skin.

"Shhh. Sleep now, Alfred."

And Alfred fell back into unconsciousness.


Thank you for reading and sticking to the story so far! Feel free to leave your thoughts, feedback is always appreciated :)

I would also like to have your opinion regarding the next chapter:

Would you rather have a long chapter but having to wait longer for it?

OR

Would you like the next chapter to be shorter but having the story updated sooner?

(it would also accelerate Alfred and Krolock's meeting I were to make the next chapter longer but it depends on you, I'm letting you choose!)