Yeah, the baby? Surprised, ah:)

Chapter 11

Joy and sorrow

Diana was lying on the bed in her prison, staring into the ceiling. She has been here for already four days. Ephimephiy was ordered to stay with her and keep an eye on prisoner. Perhaps demons were afraid that the girl could kill herself. She hasn't seen the count, but really wanted to as he was her only chance to know what's going on in the external world.

Suddenly Dia jumped off the bed and kneeled at Phil, who looked tired and sleepy because he watched her day and night.

"What's the day is it today?"

"A-a, 23rd of December. It'll happen tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night is my birthday," she said sadly, such a good age and no friends, no relatives near.

"And saint holiday, too."

"Phil, what's going to happen? I stopped seeing awful dreams and hearing voice, but this silence scares me. Like … it's a lull before the storm."

"You shouldn't be afraid," the demon replied taking her hand in his. Diana noticed marks on the rough skin on his hands.

"Who did this?"

"Long ago I've been a servant of great Lord Devolio. He wasn't in mood and thrashed me."

"Oh, you're poor thing!"

"Never mind, my skin is strong. Only these few marks left."

Ephimephiy started trust the Ancient power and she decided to ask him.

"Phil, you're a good guy. You know, I'm a prisoner here. Please, help me to get out of here! They'll kill me!"

"I can't! I want to save you, but I'm the undermost demon! I'm a slave." he shook head.

"And that vampire … Where's he? What plans does he have against me?"

"I don't know, I was just ordered to keep an eye on you. We call that vampire the Dark Prince; he's the Dark Lord's son."

"Really? Hmm, Seline is just crazy if still loves him."

In the middle of their talk the door opened and Dracula gave a sign to Ephimephiy to leave. Diana frowned, staring at him unfriendly.

"What do you need?"

"Put it on," he said calmly, throwing her a white dress.

"Why should I?"

"And bathroom is in your dictation for hour."

"I won't put it on!" the girl dropped the silk dress on the floor, Vladislaus picked it and put on the bed:
"I don't like the situation as you, my dear, but be a good girl – put this dress on or want me to help you?" he smirked devilishly charming, making her skin crawl.

"Where's the bathroom?"

"Follow me."

After an hour Diana felt much better and put on the white sleeveless silk dress with a cut on side, then took away her long dark curls and looked at her mirror reflection. A young woman with an angelic appearance was smiling back.

"You're beautiful, my dear," said Vlad suddenly, making her to flinch. He curled a tress behind her ear gently and gave her two earrings made like two symbols of the third seal.

"The last thing."

Dia fell for his intoxicating charms and let him to touch her face. The vampire caressed her cheek, making her to lose conscious, then took her on hands and left, carrying the girl carefully.

The old demon offered his servants to help, but Dracula refused.

"Why now? It's too early."

"I need to break her mother's protection first. After that we'll be ready to prepare the Seal."

"So I'll leave you for some time."

"Where're you going?"

"I've already said: that's my own business. Take care about her."

Vlad was walking down the street, thinking about all that was going to happen with Diana. He hated himself for this. But then a strong stream of energy grabbed him and carried in some strange and unusual place. Vladislaus looked around: stone walls and floor, old tapestries, big amount of candles, portraits of unknown people, the empty table and chairs of red wood in the other part of the room.

'Doesn't look like Lucifer's work …' the vampire thought. He was right. Marinette (A/n: 'Read the Second part if you've forgotten who she is.') in long scarlet dress with a corset and dark red hair, streaming down her back, with warm smile greeted her guest on the clearest Romanian:

"Welcome to my castle, count Dracula."

"I see Lucifer is very generous with his whores."

"Oh, I'm in a good mood that you can't spoil it, dear count. Please, have a sit." the demoness said sweetly.

Vlad set at the table opposite Marinette, staring at her attentively. He was quite curious why she brought him here and waited for her explanations. By the way it was more pleasant to speak with her than with the devil because she was beautiful and friendly with him.

"So why I'm here?"

"Want a drink, count?" the woman asked at ease.

"No, thank you."

"I'm not going to poison you."

"I know."

"Hmm, just let me to be hospitable with such respected guest." Marinette smiled warmly and clicked fingers. A demon (of the same sort as Ephimephiy) with a golden tray with two goblets full of red liquid: one wine and one with blood for count, appeared, then put the goblets on the table and disappeared in a bow.

"Let's have a toast!" she exclaimed, lifting up her goblet.

"What's the cause?"

"That you're here, of course! For you, count!"

They made few gulps and then she continued:

"I think we have common interests."

"Really? What interests?"

"We both don't want the poor girl to suffer."

"I don't care about Diana."

"You lie, my dear count."

"I've noticed you call me count not Dark Prince."

"Oh, yes, you like it more, a? We both hate Lucifer."

"That's true. I also heard you've gathered a great army to fight with him. So much energy in such beautiful body …"

"Naughty, naughty," the woman laughed melodically like silver bell.

"As twenty years ago I invite you to join me, count. Together we could ruin all he has created. What's your answer?" Marinette asked, closing to him. 'If she tries to seduce me?' Dracula thought, feeling her leg touches his under the table.

"Lucifer offered me good price for Diana, I can't lose this chance."

"Don't hurry, Dracula, I'll ask you again later … Return to your passion, she's closer than you think …"

With these words Marinette clicked fingers again and the vampire found himself on the street of New-York.

Seline was really very close, in New-York actually. Vina had a vision about 'the six reached one' and whole rescue team came here … into the place of ceremony. They couldn't find Diana, but at least got a chance to stop Lucifer's releasing ... somehow …

But more than anything Sel wished to meet her friends from the previous troop 'C': Lora, Mirek and Alexander. She knew that all Council forces will be sent here as Vina's vision wasn't a secret anymore and count wanted to have an army if something will go wrong. So Selin called the old number belonged to Lora on her mobile as the other two didn't exist.

Lora answered quickly:

"Oh, Sel! I'm so happy you've called! I worried about you! Where can we meet?"

"In some quiet place, my friend."

"O.K., at a café "Lost Garden"."

"No matter, I've missed you and guys so!"

"Hmm, Sel, I have to say one thing to you … Well, you're not an exile! That story about Diana … You know you are a legend now!"

"Me – legend? Don't joke. See you soon, Lo!"

Seline was too excited even to think, but Lora's voice so loud and joyful made her relaxed. She touched her stomach and said quietly:

"You'll become a surprise not only for your dad, but for auntie Lo, too. Who knew that the Snow Queen would be a mother?"

Yes, she decided not to get rid of the child, thinking about Dracula.

With a smile across her pretty face Sel hurried to the 'Lost Garden', troop's favorite place in New-York. She didn't know what will hear from Lora … and how hard would be these words … She just go.