Gaaaaah! I'M SORRRRRY! Thanks to all the dedicated readers who have waited so very patiently for this update! And it's not even a GOOD update! WHAT TORTUROUS INFLICTION I BESTOW UPON YOU! But the next chappie already thought out and ready to be written out, so do not fear, my pretties!

So here the chapter! ("You're off the edge of the map, mate. Here there be monsters!" snicker)

Pax

The fire crackled in the hearth as I stared at my brides' foster child. She sat, quite motionless, meeting my gaze. Her heartbeat was steady. My left hand extended slowly, grasping one pale wrist and pulling her to her feet. She complied as quietly as ever.

"This is all the truth?" I asked sharply, tightened my hold on the joint. She nodded once. I surveyed her face thoroughly, but saw no lie in her expression. My eyes settled on her thin wrist, firmly locked within my hold. I could feel the pulse beneath my fingers.

Adriana seemed startled when I lifted her arm to my nose, inhaling deeply. Then, without warning, I sank my fangs into the soft flesh. Had I not been listening, I would not have heard the faint, almost inaudible, gasp of pain that issued from her mouth. In the brief moment that the blood flowed over my tongue, I caught images of people; two boys, both tall with dark hair and eyes; a man and a small boy child outside a tiny wood cabin; a woman cradling an infant who took in the interior of the house with wide, dark eyes; an icy snowfield, peppered with trees; a pair of feet, presumably her own, as she stumbled; snow, flurries too thick to see through, than blackness.

I pulled away. Adriana staggered; I placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her into my chair. She held her wrist limply, trembling. I licked my lips; the taste was familiar. A memory filled my mind. One of darkness, of an emptiness much different from my normal state. Floating, grieving, fading. Then the feeling of warmth. I became stronger rather than fading; the floating ended, and I was on my back in the dark, dankness of my laboratory.

The warmth I had felt. It had been blood; her blood.

Adriana shrank into the plush backing of the armchair when I stepped closer. I could smell a trace of fear about her. She was frightened, fearful of my reaction. The scent did naught but increase when I ensnared her fingers within my own once more. Her eyes rose, caught mine in anxious question.

Carefully, maintaining our preset visual contact, I bent my head and placed a soft kiss upon her pale knuckles. She had been holding her breath, but now I heard her let it out, relieved.

"There is no means by which I might repay you, my dear." I murmured, allowing my body to sink into a deep bow before her. When I again beheld her face, Adriana wore an expression of slight bewilderment and sadness. She opened her mouth to reply; her gaze dropped.

"Your existence is all the repayment I could need, Master."

Her heart adopted a strange, pattering beat that I at first did not understand. However, my consumption of her blood and the temporary link it thus produced, filled my inner vision with flickering images; the woman and child, the men and boys…

Pulling her to her feet, I placed a hand beneath Adriana's chin.

"You shall receive your vengeance." I told her gently, "In that you may trust."

A small, unsteady small crossed her fine countenance; I returned it. I had once thought that I may enjoy her presence in my home, and, indeed, I had been correct.

But something now began to tug in my abdomen. A feeling I had become quite accustomed to over the many centuries of life. Glancing out the window, I saw that the sensation was accurate.

The dawn would soon break.

With a hollow sigh, I stepped back from my young savior.

"I fear I must leave you now, Adriana." I said, touching my forehead wearily. Our connection, though thoroughly weakening, still lingered, for after my statement her eyes sought the pane as well. She nodded, the navy blue satin rustling as she moved aside respectfully, allowing myself to lead as we quit the room.

My brides were not yet returned from their hunt. After a slim moment a apprehension, I sensed them near, soon to arrive.

"Good night, Master."

I awoke from my thoughts in time to see the small mortal curtsey (what manners, for a peasant!) and make her way back to her room. The sun would raise in near forty five minutes; there was enough time.

"Allow me to escort you back, my dear."

She seemed surprised at my offer, but silently agreed, appearing shy. I smiled, and took position beside her. The walk was completed in comfortable quiet, and when we stood before her door, Adriana turned and curtseyed once again.

"You needn't bow," I said, grinning, "I am no great lord."

Her eyes seemed very bright as she eagerly came forward.

"Yes, but you are my Master! And I must show you esteem."

I stroked her hair lightly. Indeed, over the months, she had burrowed her way within my core, despite its emptiness, and I now felt a deal of affection for the creature.

"Sleep now, little one." I commanded, guiding her towards her chamber, "You ought to find what rest you can now. I feel certain my brides will desire your presence in the evening."

Adriana went to the entry, but before ingoing, she turned to me.

"I shall always sleep in the day now," she said, "For my life during the night."

I bowed as she shut the door. The pulling within me became suddenly more powerful; sunrise approached. Even as I stood, I heard my brides returning, hastening to there beds.

Sinking through the floor, I joined them.

Next chapter shall reintroduce Van Helsing (and Carl: Faithful Sidekick Extraordinaire (TM)!)