It had been a few weeks since Heart had dismantled the underground lab of the wizard, saving me from my own transformation, and then being cured herself back in the town. Mostly anyway. For Heart's scars from her wings remained on her arms, her body regaining strength to tap back into her magic, and her mind was still a bit of a labyrinth.
This would bring us traveling along a dirt road to get back to Anaheim. As we walked, Heart would notice quietly, "Do you see that?"

I looked around them to see the mists we seemed to have wandered into. With every step it grew thicker, even turning back it did. I looked to Heart and took her by the hand, "Stay close okay?" "Okay?" She replied in a bit of bewilderment.

As we walked hand in hand, we would come up to an old road sign.
"Barovia," I read as we pondered over what to do, "I guess we can at least find an inn there to rest a bit?"

Heart nodded along. Our journey would bring us to a slumbering town, or one about to be at least, as folks seemed to be withdrawing for the night. It was a decent sized area, with a number of homes and places of business littering the streets. Deep in the mists towards the back, a larger structure oversaw the village. We would both see the shape of a manor hiding in that shroud, but chose to try and ignore this for the moment. I just wanted a bit of shelter from the elements, and a warm meal to share. This would bring us to the inn towards the heart of the town. While I paid for our stay, Heart would be looking around the room with growing curiosity. Outside and in, the buildings had a Gothic motif about them, matching the gloomy mists that had found us again. In the distance, wolves could be heard letting out their howls. The town itself was rather quiet.

"Reminds me of Gremanna," I mentioned.
As we entered the inn, The Wolf's Den, the wary and worn natives of the village looked over at us with suspicion from their mugs of ale. A fire flickered in the hearth, providing warmth to the cold night. Cleaning a stein, the inn keeper kept on eye on the two of us. Rain started outside, the drop striking the window, steadily growing more intense.

"Evenin" The gruff old man behind the counter said, balding and with a thick, woolly beard.

I gave a cheerful greeting of my own, "Evenin' to you as well."

While Heart focused on the warm fire, taking in it's dance in a nearly mesmerized state. She was dressed in a form fitting undershirt to hide the markings on her arms, with her blouse, bodice, and long skirts over it. I wore my usual attire of dark leather beneath his black slacks and burgundy tunic.

I looked back to the bar keep, "We were hopin' we can rest here a bit, an' get a warm meal?" Heart listened, but remained quiet. I would add, "An' a glass of milk if ya have some?"
With a grunt, he gave a nod, "I can do that. Take a seat, and it'll be out in a few minutes."

With that, he placed the mug down, and began to hobble off to the back, one leg much more stiff than the other.
"Thanks," I replied, before leading Heart to a table close to the fire. She kept watching it, while I kept an eye on those around us. I noted the glances of suspicion and unease at our presence. I had to remind myself that my reputation had been changing for the better, having helped save a few towns along with Heart by now. Still, I decided to ask the nearest one, "Is somethin' wrong, or are we interruptin' somethin'?"
The leathery skinned man looked up at me, wiping ale from his graying mustache, "Just not used to people coming through here... or at all... what are you doing here?"
"Just wanderin' from town to town, advenurin' an' helpin' folks along the way," I replied, as this earned a light smile from my companion. I wondered if a bit more had come back to her.

"So ya don't get a lot of visitors then?" I asked, "How come?"
I raised a brow at this and looked to Heart with growing unease that I needed to mask, "We can't go much further without supplies an' some rest, especially in this fog."

Heart looked up at me but didn't speak. For she was distracted by the distant howling just outside the town. This brought her gaze to the window, and the full moon light showing through it. I realized she had slipped up her sleeves, checking on the markings on her arms, and the scales that were gradually reemerging, before covering them again.
"Well, you better get what you need, and head out fast," He muttered out, before returning to his drink.

Shortly, the inn keeper returned with the order, and placed it on the counter, "There you two go."
"Thank you," Heart said.

The two of us ate our meal, sharing a conversation about where to head next, and other such things. As Heart sipped her mil, I tried to think of something to spark a bit of her...wait! Spark! I looked to her and gave a smile. Then I noted her loose ribbon and focused on it with a playful smirk. With this, and without touching her,the ribbon pulled loose and floated over to my now open palm. The silk folded carefully into place.

"You've been practicing?" She asked.

I nodded, "I have here an' there. I think this one is my favorite."

"I can see that," she remarked while trying to reach for it.

Yet I held it just out of reach, ignoring the dreary air of the inn. After a bit of this, I asked if our room was ready while still keeping her ribbon in hand.
The keeper gave a nod, gesturing towards the stairs leading up to the right of the bar, "Yeah, just go up there, second door to your right. Ready for you when you are."
"Thank you," I replied politely, before escorting Heart upstairs.

Once inside the room, I turned around so Heart could change. When she was finished, I turned around to see her arms free of long sleeves. The markings along them were still red and sore, and her scales on her wrists and shoulders had returned. With a sigh, I walked up to Heart and sat beside her on her bed. I then began weaving her hair into a braid for her with the ribbon. When I finished, she smiled with a soft blush on her face.

"I guess we'll head out in the mornin' once we go to the market?" Heart suggested.

"I guess so," I nodded.

She had turned around to face me, and I held her hands in mine.

"Keep findin' your way, okay?" I hoped as Heart nodded.

I then kissed her hand gently, before bidding her good night and going to my own bed. I watched her to make sure they were safe for a bit, watching as she drifted off to sleep, and then fell asleep myself with the moonlight splitting our sides of the room.
When morning came we packed up and headed to the market. Though we would also find that the thick fog had not cleared, seemingly encasing the still rather quiet village in it's protective shroud. "This might be a bit of a problem," I commented while paying for our provisions.

"Perhaps give it another day?" Heart suggested from beside him.

"We might not have a choice," I admitted, "I don't want to be out there lost with how those folks were talkin'."

I looked over her with concern, "Especially after the last time we got separated..." her lost eyes only furthered this to me. I then continued looking over the shops for supplies we might need. Meanwhile, Heart took in the misty town and the people wandering it's streets from beside the me. Her lost sapphire eyes watching their surroundings with growing curiosity blended with concern, as they focused on th the manor in the distance, and then to the side of the street across from us.
As we wandered the streets, the Sun obscured by the thick dark clouds overhead the rural town. Villages eyed the us warily, making sure to keep their distance. Their complexions were pale and gray, and their movements slow and tired. However, for some reason, Heart couldn't help but feel watched, and not by the people surrounding us.
I quickly noted Heart stepping a bit uneasily into me, as I rested an arm around her shoulders, "You okay, sweetheart?"

Heart nodded her head, but felt a chill run up her spine. We both made note of the shuffling movements of the villagers.

"Cheery," I remarked when receiving a tired glare from one elders when Heart's scales on her shoulders shimmered in the feint light trying to inform the town it was indeed day.
As I tried to comfort Heart, a ragged man, dressed in old tattered clothes, shambled up to us. His beard and eyes wild, he approached Heart, "You... you must leave! Now! Go... be gone from this wretched place!"
I pulled Heart against me as her frame grew rigid from the warning.

"We're leavin' as soon as we can buddy, believe me," I replied while keeping Heart close. My own nature was particularly protective from this, though Heart looked rather bewildered by it.

"We were waiting for the mists to part a bit more," Heart mentioned.
He gave a mad laugh, shaking his head.

"They won't part! The longer you wait, the more likely you'll be trapped in here!" He snickered, before hobbling off, grasping at his head.
From this odd, troubling sight, I then looked to Heart, her eyes showing visible concern.

"We might have to chance it then," I said to her.

Heart nodded her head. Though when we started for the road leading out, she would pause and look back through the shuffling crowd, going about their day in the same troubling manners. Her eyes would gaze up at the mansion overseeing the town, and then through the crowd where she thought we were being watched from. Yet it was too busy to tell, especially with the mists almost embracing us now. I rested a hand on her shoulder again, but failed to pull her attention back, "Heart? What's wrong?"
Far from our sight, up in the manor that overlooked the town, a pale, slender figure peered out the window. His long dark hair tied back, and wearing the finery of those of higher birth, the lord of the land let out a sigh, clutching the curtains with a gloved hand. Letting out a sigh, he closed the curtain, as he went to give instructions to his servants... to prepare a room, and for a little trek to the peasant village.
Heart and I were attempting to make our escape through the mists, our steps planted carefully as I kept a firm hand closed over hers. Yet the fog grew thicker in it's attempt to claim us. As it did, we would find ourselves back at the entrance of the dreary town. No matter our tries, we would see the run down streets again and again.

"What is this place?" I questioned.

Heart's eyes looked as lost as ever the longer we wandered, and I wasn't sure how to fix this, or how to get us out. Nonetheless, I gave an encouraging smile and said, "Nothin' we can't handle right?" She attempted a nod with a slight smile. The two of us returned to the market and the inn, explaining that we would have to stay another night.
The innkeeper, taking another night's rent for the room, let us stay once again. After night fell, the two of us returned to our room, with me pausing only to try and gather a bit more information.

I would be getting myself ready for a good night's rest, when I heard a knocking upon the window. Left alone dressed in just her peasant blouse and skirts, I jumped and turned to face the glass panes. My eyes would widen, yet I didn't scream.
Outside the window, in the dim illumination of my candle, stared in a familiar face. Pale, handsome, and gentle looking, he gestured towards the widow, as if asking to be let in.
I tried to remember where I'd seen this face as I went towards the window. My lost eyes focused on the familiar stranger, allowing him to see what might be lying in the labyrinth of my mind if he were to look. I unlatched the window and opened it, as I stood barefoot before him.

"Do I know you?" I asked.
The pale figure, floating before the window, extended his hand toward me, his nails long and well taken care of. A smile crossed his face, as he gave a nod, his cape fluttering in the night air, "It's been oh so long, Heart... I hope you haven't forgotten me after all these years?"
I studied his face carefully, while wandering the labyrinth in my mind in search of anything to connect me to this memory. When suddenly a door unlocked within, and I gasped in cheerful surprise, "Orlock?"
Outside the room, Duke would be returning to the second floor, and hadn't heard anyone just yet.
I stepped back, inviting the figure in as I would a friend that I hadn't seen in ages. While doing so, I simply forgot that my bare arms bore my shimmering scales, along with the scars I bared.
A grin formed, as he nodded a second time. Floating in, his feet landed on the floor, as he turned towards me. Standing tall over me, he placed his hand to his chest, "It is so wonderful to see you again Heart... I've awaited you all this time."
"You...you have?" I asked.

On the night stand near me, where I had been about to reach out before this, was the sapphire heart necklace given to me. The moonlight was caught in it's reflective depths. Same with my eyes as I looked up at Orlock.

"I...I don't understand?" I said in further bewilderment.

My peasant blouse was of the off shoulder fashion, and the shade of the sky at early dusk, and my underskirt white, "Why were you waiting for me?"
"It has been so long..." He answered, as he drew closer, spreading his arms out, "You couldn't have forgotten our promise... have you? For us to be together?"
"Promise?" I questioned in a bit of alarm, stepping back.

I searched my foggy memory, but knew somehow, "Orlock, I don't know what you're talking about?"

My hand brushed over the necklace resting on the table beside me, as I moved back in confusion. Glancing at the deep blue gem, I would start to say, "I-?"
It was then that Duke opened the door at my right and Orlock's left, his remaining eye widened in confusion, "What on Earth...?!"
Orlock's eyes would narrow at the intruder, as he turned towards Duke.

"And just who are you?" He asked, his voice growing more cold and stern.
Duke kept his tone rather calm, and even friendly in nature despite the chilling one of the visitor.

"Duke L'Orange, Heart's devoted, chosen companion. " he would reply.

He glanced at me, as he saw that I didn't seem to be quite on the defensive. Though I didn't look relaxed either.

"Can we help ya?" Duke asked.

He kept a hand hovering at the hilt of his sword just in case as he stood in the doorway still.
He glared at Duke, before a smile returned, "Oh... you must be mistaken... Duke... She is my betrothed. It has been set long before she met you... and we intend on fulfilling our agreement, don't we?" He looked towards me expectantly.
Duke looked to me in confusion, but waited to hear my answer.

"Orlock, I don't remember this? I'm sorry. Even if it were true, I want to be with Duke," I replied.

My lost looking eyes focused a little more again, as I clung to what I did know.

"It looks to me you're possibly mistaken?" Duke said as politely as possible, but clearly defending my choice.
Pausing in his place, the vampire looked between the two of us... as a scowl came over his face. "I see... your wicked ways have seduced my Heart! Well, I will not stand for this!" With that, he rushed at Duke, swiping a claw at him.
Duke jumped back just enough to avoid the attack, drawing his saber to block the blade like claws striking at him.

"Duke!" I exclaimed as I went to try and reach out to him. A glare in his remaining eye, Duke said sharply, "You've got it quite wrong, buddy!"

He would see me stepping closer, and said quickly, "Heart, stay back!"
Flexing his hand at Duke, he opened his palm, and Duke would find himself flung across the room by an invisible force. Whipping back around to me, he stared me in the eyes, and I began to feel tired and weak, "He has warped your memories! I will save you from this charlatan!"
Duke yelled out as his back collided with the wall, and stumbled onto his feet to try and steady his stance. My own would begin to falter, my eyes looking lost as my eyelids grew heavy.

"Heart!" Duke attempted to reach out in voice, along with his hand. Yet my eyes closed as I collapsed, "Heart! Stay away from her!"

Taking Heart in one arm, wrapping his cape around her, Orlock hissed back at me, before bounding out of the window. A pair of leathery wings emerged from his back, as he took off with my beloved in his grasp, flying into the dark and foggy night.
"Heart!" I exclaimed as I tried to run after them, before having to stop at the window.

Not being one to give up easily, I quickly retrieved the sapphire from the nightstand, and headed back down to the innkeeper. Any information I could quickly gather was valuable if I was to save Heart.

"Heart was taken, what do I need to know to get her back?" I asked sharply, "It was some cretin...Orlock. He came in through the window an' flew off!"
The innkeeper's face flushed pale at the name of the local lord, nearly dropping the glass he was cleaning, "C-Count Orlock? He rules this land... but none has seen him in years! Oh, if he has taken your companion, I fear she won't be coming back unless he allows it!"
"Then I'll go steal her back," I assured, not backing down in the least, "What do I need to know about him?"
"Well... first off, he's one of the Nosferatu... a vampire..." He said, his voice going into a hushed tone, "His castle is on the hill... but, I would not advise going after them... it would be best if you forget about her, and go on with your life if you know what's good for you."
At the very mention of this suggestion, I shook my head, "Givin' her up isn't an option...I'd forget who I am first."

"If ya don't have anythin' else to tell me, I'll figure it out," I said as I started to turn towards the door to leave.
He took a deep breath, before opening a drawer in the counter. He placed a glass bottle on the table, and pushed it towards me, "Holy water, blessed by a priest, with shavings of silver... you didn't get it from me."
I picked it up carefully, giving a subtle nod as I breathed a silent thanks. Tucking the bottle into the pouch on his belt, I then headed out to begin my way up the hill.

Up in the castle on the hill, I would wake up in a luxurious bedroom. A silk sheet covered the bed, large beautiful mirrors, a wardrobe and dresser of exotic wood, and the soft glow of candlelight.
I looked around carefully to see if I were alone. I then got to my feet and went to the window to see how high up I was. Perhaps I could slip out the window and get away? Yet I would find that I was in a high up floor of the mansion, overseeing the village at the foot of the hill. Heavy fog made it difficult to see what rested between the manor, and the houses of the small town. Turning around, I would decide to chance the hallway, still in my bare feet, to try and find a better way out.
As soon as I opened the door, I would find Orlock on the other side. With a wide smile across his face, he gave a gentle bow to me. "I see you have awakened! How wonderful, my Heart. I'm terribly sorry you had to deal with that brute."
"He's not a brute, Orlock!" Despite the lost look in my eyes, I pushed back, my tone sharp instead, "I don't know what was promised, but I am not your Heart!"

I took a cautious step back, trying to figure out whether to go back to the window, or dart down the hall.
He placed a hand to his face, covering his eyes, "I see you have forgotten... Heart, we were promised to each other long ago. I have awaited you for so long... we belong together!"
"Orlock, I remember meeting you, and enjoying each other's company as children. However, I had no part in this promise! I was too young to decide this! I am sorry you've had to wait for so long, but I want to be with Duke! He knows who I am now, and I know him!" I pleaded while stepping back a bit more.

I glanced at the window, and then again at the door, debating over my options.
Orlock would step forward, his eyes narrowing, "We are destined for each other! We are from two noble houses that are to be joined by out marriage. I will make up for all the lost time with you... infact, I will give you all the time you need. I can give you so much! Treasures, riches, this castle... immortality."
I stepped back, with a chill running up my spine, "Orlock, please let me go! I want freedom and adventure!" Then I started to remember, "I...I need to save my home! That's...that's what we set out for...?" Realizing I was shifting in tone the longer this went on, I made a break for it! Darting passed him, I started sprinting down the hallway in my bare feet to try and find a way out.
As I reached the halfway point of the stairs, Orlock appeared before me, glaring down at me. He went to place a hand on my shoulder, "Heart... don't do this... you don't know what you're doing my dear."
I managed to pull my shoulder away, looking up with a bit of defiance now, "I know exactly what I'm doing! I want to be with him!"

I then darted to the rail of the stairs and took a bit of a leap down to the spiraling steps beneath me, knowing how to land without hurting my legs as I had practiced as the Viper.
As I landed, I would see him jumping after me, his cape flowing behind him. As he landed, his descent slowed down, and he made contact to the floor as if he just took another step, "He has warped your mind, my dear... please... listen to me!"
"How has he warped my mind?" I questioned, "You don't know him! You don't even know who I am, or what I am like anymore! You're holding onto a promise I never made!"
He looked down at my scales, and took my hand, "He has used dark magic on you! Worry not, I will cure you from how he was twisted your mind and body! I am here for you Heart, worry not."
I quickly pulled my hand from him, "He has not used any sort of magic on me! This shows how little you know me! This is a part of me, as he is now!"

Again I tried to hurry down the stairs, this time managing to reach the ground floor and keep running. Along the winding, long hallways, I would see elaborate paintings trying to greet me. Still I continued running, until I came to a large set of double doors. Pushing them open, I would find a grand ballroom, the large windows allowing moonlight to shine through them. Chandeliers glistened above my head as I tried to get my bearings.
As I had ran off, I could hear his gentle foot falls behind me. His boots would clack on the tiles of the floor, as I fled. Now once in the ballroom, he would approach me... my reflection was alone in the mirrored walls, "Heart... please... listen to me..."
"You keep telling me to listen when you refuse to yourself!" I snapped.

I would try and step back again. He grew more stern as he spoke, taking me by the shoulders, "Heart, what I'm doing is for your own good! Please... if you won't listen, I will be forced to make you listen."
"What?!" I stammered, dread running up my spine as I tried to pull free, "Orlock, please let me go!"

I tried to summon up some energy to push him back with, but I was still recovering from the previous struggle. The one that caused the scars the count could see along my arms. The reason I looked lost when he tried to gaze into my eyes. Though gradually coming back, it was still hard to complete the puzzle that was my mind at the moment just yet. However, I did hold onto one thing I knew, as I pleaded to him in a fearful voice, "Where are you?"

To no avail. Still, I attempted to get free.
Orlock would stare into my eyes, and I could feel my will and strength melting. Soon, I would go limp in his arms, and he would scoop me up. He let out a sigh and shook his head, "Everything will be right Heart... fear not... we will be together..."

With that, his fangs began to elongate, before he opened his mouth and took a bite into my neck.
Some fight shot through me as he sank his teeth into my flesh, screaming the name of my thief in desperation, "DUKE! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
Then, my knees began to fold under me. Pain and strength blended into a strange sensation that radiated through my entire frame. Blood drained from me, and I would feel his will washing over me. Tears welled in my eyes, that finally fell as I felt my frame beginning to shift unwillingly once again, "No...I...I don't want this..."
He would pull his mouth away from me, wiping the blood from his lips, "Things will be better now.. you'll be one of us, and you will be my bride... we will be happy together."
Tears fell from my sapphire eyes, that began to change in coloration...turning crimson,, and then losing their gem like nature.

"He...he gave me a choice...I chose to be with him..." my voice trembled, as I felt the aches of my frame shifting, forcing me to collapse against him. My already thin form grew oddly slim with an alien elegance. My nails grew claw-like, but still with an odd beauty to them. Then my front canines would begin to elongate into fangs of my own. My body would spasm as I clung to him through my change against my will.
He ran his hands over the back of my head, and held me close to him, "It'll be fine, my love... you'll soon forget about that common rubbish... We'll be together, as we should be."
I had little choice but to sob, crumbling against the count as I begged, "I don't want to forget him...Duke...please..." Before I passed out in the vampire's arms.

Meanwhile, I had hurried towards the mansion up the hill, running into the mists between it and the town.
As I headed up the hill, I would find myself engulfed by the mists. I would then find myself lost in the dense fog, losing all sense of direction as I wandered through. It would seem like I was lost for hours... until I came across a familiar tent.
"How did I get back here?" I wondered aloud as I ventured into the encampment from before. Wandering around the tents, I tried in vain to find a way to the mansion. Yet as I did, I felt something strange catch my chest, as though something were piercing it. As I could have sworn I could hear Heart's voice calling out to me, but somehow weakening my stance as I stumbled onto my hands and knees, "Heart...? Has somethin' happened to ya?" I asked with no way for her to hear me.
As I looked up, on my hands and knees, would I find myself before a large tent I had entered once before. The door-flap was open, as I could see the billowing incense waft out.
Pushing myself up, I stepped inside with caution, "Madame Eva?" I looked about the tent with growing curiosity and concern. There was a dull ache in my chest that lingered, but I ignored it for the moment as I sought out the Vastani leader I'd met before.
As I stepped in, I would find the looming figure of the fortune teller sitting by the table in the center. She gestured towards the table opposing her. "Come, child... take a seat... Madame Eva will help you..."
"How do I keep findin' this place?" I would start to ask, "I ran into that fog to try an' get Heart back from that vampire, an' I ended up here?"

I'd taken my seat across from her as requested. I had certainly changed abit since our last encounter, having discovered more of my potential with magic, making me wonder if this had to do with things at all? In either case, I needed answers to find Heart.
Looking down upon me, the old woman stretched out her gnarled hands, resembling the roots of an ancient tree, "We travel where we are needed child... and it seems you are in great need yourself. Tell me, child... would you wish for Eva to read your future?"
"If it can help me find Heart," I replied, "That Vampire Lord, Orlock...? has her."

I then followed her instructions, "Do ya know where I draw my magic from? Is it the gift ya mentioned before? Heart an' I have been travelin' for a while now, tryin' to find a way to save our home...but these mists keep findin' us?"
She gave a nod, but said little more as she began to bring out her cards. Flipping through them, she glanced at me. "You are... one of us, but, until you find yourself, you will stay an outsider, I fear... "
"What happens if I don't find myself? If I stay an outsider? Does it have to do with the mists?" I inquired with rising unease.

"What will it do to Heart if this keeps happenin'?" I then added while watching her closely with her cards.
She began to place the cards onto the table, leaving them face down as she mulled over my questions, "If you reject who you are... you will lose your gift. As for Heart... that is up for you two to decide... but now, I will read the cards.."
I watched quietly now, taking in her words carefully. I wanted to know more about who I was, and this gift...but would it cost me Heart to accept it?

"What are they tellin' ya, Madame Eva?" I asked respectfully.
She raised a finger, suggesting me to silence myself. One by one, she would reveal the cards... the Outlaw... the Maiden... the Dark lord... "It seems the three of you have been bound by ancient powers long ago.. it will be a contest of wills between you and Orlock if you wish to free your friend.."

I listened carefully to all of this, and gave a nod. However, I did push a little to ask, "Please tell me why these mists keep callin' us here? Does it have to do with who I was an' this gift? What are the mists?"
"I can not answer for the Mists... they have a will of their own... but you must've done something to catch their attention... that said, you are one of us by birth, and have our gifts... but are an outsider, so they may see you an an opportunity."
"I see?" I replied, "Thanks for your aid once again, Madame Eva. As for Heart, I will save her from him, no matter what it takes."

I would stand, giving her a polite bow, before heading back out. Then I began my search through that fog once more. Continuing on until I began to find the path climbing the hill close to the mansion.

"I'm comin', Heart! Hang on!" I promised as I reached the gates.

As I got to the iron gates, they would slowly swing open with a creak, and through the fog I could see the looming mansion. It seemed like I was anticipated, but instead of warding me off, I was being welcomed in? Thus I knew that sneaking in wasn't the way this time around. I went ahead in, ready to try and confront a vampire. For the moment, I kept the holy water tucked away. Taking a breath, I looked over the elaborate room I'd been invited into.
As I stepped into the mansion, I would find a winding stairwell before me. At the top, a slim, pale skin man dressed in the finery of a nobleman looked down upon me. Without a word, he began to descend the steps, his boots striking upon the stone steps, echoing through the large room. His dark eyes stayed on me, his hand gliding down the banister. As he drew close to the bottom, he opened his mouth, revealing his sharp teeth, "I have been expecting you... after all, you seem like a man who's rather... stubborn."
"Ya say I'm stubborn? I'm not the one who took Heart against her will," I replied with contempt creeping up in my voice, "Now let her go, Orlock!"

I kept a close eye on the vampire.

"Where is she?" I then asked, with a hand hovering near the hilt of his blade in case it was needed.
"That is honestly none of your business. It would be best if you headed off... perhaps you can find a member of the ramble that's more appropriate for somebody of your status." He chided, his nails extending from his hand and scratching the railing.

I took a breath at this comment, but kept my temper in check.

"Trust me, status isn't everythin', buddy. Plenty of your fellow lords an' ladies have proven that to us."

I studied Orlock's movements still.

"Heart chose to be with me. I didn't force her," I stated
"She chose me first, and our families are to be brought together in wedlock. It's something I wouldn't expect a common pickpocket to understand!" He snarled, coming closer, his cape billowing behind him.
"Did she really choose ya?" I questioned boldly, "Or have ya been clingin' to a promise no one ever made based on what, the fact ya both met as kids an' happen to both be nobility?"

I shook my head, "I think I understand plenty. Now let Heart go!"

His eyes narrowed at my commentary... before he flew down the stairs and slashed upon me with is razor sharp claws. Letting out a hiss, he would swipe at me, enraged at my gall.
Quickly drawing my saber, I managed to block the blade like claws now threatening me. When he swiped at me, I stepped back to avoid the strike, before blocking again.

"Do ya know anythin' about Heart? Do ya see her passed her crown?" I questioned sharply.
For a moment it looked as though he knew that I was right... but he couldn't seem to give up. He'd waited for so long, and to have the upstart that I was to him try to take Heart away from him was something he wouldn't tolerate. He continued his assault against me, grabbing me by the arm and tossing me up the steps.
I let out a sharp groan as I collided with the stairs. Quickly, scrambling to my feet to try and block the next attack. I ducked to avoid the swipe meant for my face, and managed to slash at my foe's arm, grazing it and then hopping back a bit to steady my footing.
With the sleeve of his coat slashed, he let out a hiss, before reaching for me by the neck, and holding me aloft. Walking up the stairs, he glared into my remaining eye, "You won't take her from me. I waited for so long, and somebody like you won't get in our way!"
I grabbed at Orlock's hand, trying to pry myself free as I gasped for breath. I attempted to kick at the vampire lord, asking in short gasps, "Do ya...even...love...her?!"
He paused, staring down at me. Narrowing his eyes, he gave a nod.

"With all my heart... I have stayed loyal to her all these years..." As he reached the zenith of the stairs, he looked over the banister, and held me over.
I attempted still to try and get free. Until I realized where we were, and the drop below. Instead I looked around to try and find if there was anything to grab onto. My lungs burned for air, and yet my main concern remained as I gasped, "Let...her...go-!"
It was now that I heard the racing, swift steps of someone else drawing closer, until they suddenly stopped. Managing to turn my head just enough, I would see her just as she yelled out, "Orlock, stop!"
He was about to drop me, before his face quickly turned towards her, "Heart! What are you doing? You should be resting!"
I gasped for air as I hit the carpeted floor. With rapid breaths, I looked up to see the woman standing before us. Still in the attire from before, I could see her chillingly pale skin, especially against the suture scars she bore along her arms, her scales completely gone away, and her deep blue eyes now a shade of hungry crimson looking back at me in fear. With her lips agape from calling out, I could also see the fangs she had, as well as the markings in her neck by the count's own bite.

"Heart?!" I exclaimed with another sharp breath taken and released.

"What have ya done to her? This is lovin' her?!" I then glared at Orlock with this demand
He ignored the me, going straight to Heart, "My dear... you shouldn't be about just yet... you still need time to recover!"

Turning back towards me, he narrowed his eyes. "I gave her something you could not... eternity."
"While takin' her freedom!" I snapped, "She'll be feared like this, unable to leave!"

Heart stood rather shakily, but stepped back from Orlock a bit. She then looked to me, seeming to be afraid now, as she didn't approach me either. In fact, she looked to be in some pain as well as she looked over me.

He sneered at me, shaking his head, "They fear us because we are something greater! Need the wolf concern himself on how the rabbit feels about him?"
"Rabbits don't have ways to fight back like people can!" I pushed angrily.

I looked to Heart, seeing how scared she was, and tried to assure her, "I will protect ya, Heart. We'll find a way to undo this."

"Duke?" Heart replied a bit shakily as she kept her distance still.
He hissed, stepping between the two of us, "You don't need to protect... not like you could in the first place. I will ensure she is happy and safe."
"Ya don't know anythin' about what she's been through!" I snapped, "Or what makes her happy!"

I was on my feet now, trying to reach Heart. Yet Heart stayed back, stepping further away as she noticed something. In the fight, the collar of my shirt had been torn, revealing some of my own neck. "Heart, let's go! Ya still have a choice! We'll find a way to fix this, an' I will keep ya safe!" Heart started to shake her head, her expression one of unease.

A grin crossed the lord's face, as he turned towards Heart, "She knows that we're to be... and you are truly nothing to her. I will give you one last chance... leave us be now, or I will dispose of you myself."
"Stop talkin' for her!" I snapped, before looking to Heart, "Come on, sweetheart. What do you want? Am I really nothin' to ya?"

Heart shook her head, "Of course not, Duke!"

Yet she didn't draw nearer to me, as she tried not to focus on my showing throat.

"I can't leave now..." she then said.

"Please...find our friends, and save Waterdeep from Xanathar! I...I have to stay here now..." she urged while trying to stay back.

"What are ya talkin' about? We need ya!" I questioned in alarm.
"However she doesn't need you." He stated, as he went over to Heart, "Doubt you've ever considered that though..."
"Of course I have!" I pushed back.

Looking over Duke from behind Orlock, my her hunger started trying to drive me.

"I did need you..." I insisted, before taking another step away, "but now I...I can't leave... I shouldn't even be near you..."

Duke's remaining eye widened to hear this, as though his heart started to crack in his chest, "What are ya talkin' about?"

I stepped beside Orlock, "I'm sorry..."
"She is one of us... she deserves better than what your lot can bring her..." He stated simply, as he wrapped his cloak around my smaller frame, and started to escort me away, "When I return... Duke... I expect you to be gone. If not, I promise you won't see the sunrise."

However, Duke wasn't backing down, trying to follow after us, "Heart, what are ya doin'?"

I would now turn around, giving the warning that I could, "Just leave!"

"Heart...I thought ya wanted...?"

"I did..." my chest began to ache, and my hunger drove me to added harshly, "I needed you to keep this from happening, and you couldn't!"

"Heart?!-"

"Now leave, and stay away this time!"
With that, Orlock would take me away, leading me to my private chambers. As we went off, Orlock looked back at Duke with a victorious grin. Leaving Duke behind us, the thief was left alone to ponder over what he had left.
As I was walked away, I managed to keep from breaking down until we reached my new chambers. There, I fell to my knees and sobbed into my trembling hands, "Why did you do this?"

I coiled into a ball of sorts as I tried to force back my tears in vain, "I didn't want to leave him!"

While standing on my own, I knew I only had one option, and nothing left to lose as far as I was concerned.

"I will save ya, Heart," I promised while heading up those stairs, and found a place to hide in to form a plan of some sort...or at least wait for Orlock to leave Heart alone, before going in head on. I found I could easily slip into the shadows as I did this, tapping into the nature of my magic. Shadows seemed to be my friend now, hiding me well from the vampire roaming his own castle in the meantime. So I would hear as Orlock leaned down to Heart, trying to comfort her, "He will only bring you pain.. it is best for you to forget him... Now, I will prepare us for the wedding.."

With that, he left Heart to herself in the room, vanishing off into the night.
I would hear Orlock coming back down the hall, and waited for him to pass by. Then I slipped down along the darkened hallway, able to see just fine in the dark I quickly noticed, and began searching for Heart.

Despite how careful I was, Heart would turn to see me as I drew near.

"Heart, I'm sorry..." I started, "I should have kept ya safe..."

"I told you to leave," she hissed quietly.

"Heart, I can't..." When she glared up at me, her eyes flashing with hunger, yet I didn't step back.

"There's gotta be somethin' we can do...an' if there isn't a way to change this, I-"

"I don't want to hurt you! That's why I want you to leave!" Heart pleaded.

Still I took a step closer, "It'll hurt far more to leave ya trapped here."

Meanwhile, Orlock was down in the chapel of the mansion. It was old, neglected, and seemed to have been forgotten until now. With a gesture of his hand, instruments and tools began to clean up the room, as he pulled out a wooden coffin, and brought it before the altar. Clasping his hands together, he began to look around as the animated objects went on to their tasks.

I got to my feet, but stepped back as he drew closer.

"We'll figure this out," Duke began to attempt.

I shook my head, forcing myself to keep my mouth closed tight, afraid to show my new fangs...or rather, get too close to him with them.

"Come on, sweetheart-"

"I asked you to leave! Please, just listen!" I snapped as I went to try and get by him to get away. When he swiftly stepped in my way, catching me by the hand, I whipped it back, and murmured something to myself. Too late did he realize that he could do the same thing, Duke watched as I ran up the wall with a new spell cast upon myself. Catching him off guard with the spider like climb, I managed to dart down the wall of the hallway.

"Heart!" He attempted to call after me in vain.
With a sigh escaping his throat, Duke tried to follow after me, but realized I wasn't going to let myself be easily found. So he decided the next best thing, would be to uncover some things about Orlock and this supposed promise to be kept.

As I snuck through the halls of the mansion, I would eventually find myself in the study... Standing tall was a portrait of a man who looked like Orlock, but far more aged and ghoulish, with a stern look to his face. The walls were lined with tomes and records... perhaps here would be the proper place to look for any supposed promises.
Thus I began to search the rows of shelves for anything that might be useful. Lore on vampires, a family history, a journal tucked away. Anything. I thought back to the warning from Madame Eva, in regards to the mists. "Bound by ancient powers? A contest of wills?"

I looked outside the window briefly to see the fog engulfing the castle. I also wondered about that now, the mists that acted on their own, and why I had their attention? I'd gone through most my life never seeing it...until...shortly after I had met Heart, and began learning magic. Had I accidentally called out to them? Shaking my head, I decided it was far more important to focus on Heart and our current predicament.

"Come on...there's gotta be somethin'?" I searched on.

Meanwhile, I had not gone as far as he thought. Still using my spell to stay out of sight, I sat up on a high shelf of the same room. I'd been running to try and get away, when I found this room and had begun searching myself.
Only now...I could hear his heartbeat with my sharpened senses, and I could see the torn collar of his leather armor again. Thus revealing the skin of his neck to me, beckoning me almost as a hunger I never knew began to take hold of me.
As he rummaged through the copious books and scrolls, he would find that long ago, Orlock's father made a pact with Victoria, where his son would take Heart's hand in marriage when both were of age. It seemed like other than the two, no one else had a say in it.
"Why would she marry her off? Heart's the sole air," Duke wondered quietly.

He tried to read on, when he just barely heard something, or rather someone, in time to turn and catch me. Lunging at him, I was compelled by a new instinct quickly taking over. Luckily his own instincts had kicked in, and he caught me by my shoulders in time.

"Heart?!" He exclaimed.

"I told you to leave! I can't control this much longer!" I pleaded while gathering my composure just enough as he held me by my shoulder to keep me at a safe enough distance.
"Heart?" He attempted more gently, not letting her pull away.

I tried to look away from his neck, closing my eyes tight. Until my stance faltered a bit. Then Duke quickly realized, "Ya need blood, don't ya?"

My face twisted into a grimace from the hunger raging in my core.
"Take some if mine if ya need?" Duke offered, startling me a little.

"What?!"

"Take some of my blood, before ya collapse," he repeated gently.
As we spoke to each other, we could hear Orlock's footfalls in the distance, drawing closer to the room. The air grew colder, as his footsteps echoed down the hall... he would be there, and it would be soon.

I tried to step back again, but faltered. Duke pulled me back behind a shelf, and I would hear in my head as he cast his cantrip, "Please, sweetheart. Take what ya need..."
In a desperate attempt to try and keep myself from this, I shoved him back away from me and swiftly pulled away as I answered, "Just go!"
Before I darted out to the hallway, seeing Orlock come into view.
Upon finding me, the vampire would spread his arms out as he approached, "Heart, are you feeling better, my dear? We must be ready for the ceremony to come! I imagine you're excited, my blushing bride."
I took a deep breath, trying to fight through my hunger. Again I sent my message to the thief in the other room, "I'm sorry..."
Tears fell from me eyes as I answered Orlock, "I don't know how to feel right now? This promise? What I am now? Saying goodbye to such a dear friend? What am I supposed to do?"
He came up to me, wrapping an arm over my shoulders, "Heart... this is a start of a new eternal life... this is for the best... now, while time is no longer a concern, we have no reason to delay what we've been waiting for all this time."
While in my room now, I had changed into the gown made and set out for me. Yet as I looked into the mirror, I wept at the sight of how empty I felt wearing such a lovely gown, amplified by not seeing myself in it. It might have seemed to be a small, insignificant thing...and yet...

"I'm sorry...!" I wept into my hands.

Why was I doing this? Why wasn't I running? My hand brushed against my fangs, and I knew why I couldn't bring myself to try and leave.
Once I was ready, Orlock would lead me to the chapel within his mansion. Standing at the altar was a ghoulish priest, barely standing in place with his white and black robes dragging on the ground. "You look most dazzling, my Heart," the vampire lord would tell me.
I felt like I was in a trance, but was aware of everything somehow as well. I couldn't even blush from the compliment. I could sense he was genuine, but it just wasn't the same as with the rogue I'd grown so close to.

"Orlock...I...I don't remember you being like this? What happened to you?" I finally asked him.
He paused for a moment, and shook his head, "Why Heart... I'm the same as I was all those years ago... I've just waited for you so long. We can be happy together finally."
"You weren't...this...before," I mentioned carefully, gesturing to the window that showed our clothing as though puppeted by strings rather than being worn by us.
"Oh... yes... well, I was granted this gift by the Count Strahd..." He said, taking a breath... before looking me in the eyes.

"Count Strahd?" I asked in growing bewilderment.

"A vampire lord of Barovia, he had me brought to his land when his men found me in the mists that had begun to wrap around Waterdeep. I'd gone there when I heard of the attack on Castle Cezanni, where I found you missing. I feared the worse had happened to you, and he found me stricken with grief. When I was brought to him, I stayed in his castle for some time, and was then embraced, as he promised my own land, and on my way, I was told you were alive...and all I need do was wait for you here. Where we will be together now."

He then looked over me carefully, noticing the suture scars along my arms, and the confusion in my eyes, as well as concern from hearing what had happened to him.

As Orlock looked into my crimson eyes, I would feel my memories over the last few months unlocking and playing out. The attack on my home, being held captive in the brothel, the Baron trying to claim me, Eilsana casting baleful polymorph onto me, the satyr of the Feywild, Duke's curse into a guardian demon and nearly killing me, the doppelganger posing as Duke, and then the recent mad doctor trying to warp my dragon heritage with the aid of a vengeful dryder Eilsana that gave me the markings along my arms. I knew that he could see flashes of everything, and feel my lingering pain...but also, through it all, a sense of hope...?

"I..." I faltered, tears in my eyes from all of these memories fresh in my head.
He took a step back, bewildered... before coming up to me and giving me a hug, "Trust me... you won't have to worry about all that pain anymore..."
I tried to pull away, but was rather weakened from the hunger in me blending with that brought up pain.

"Orlock...I..." I fell into him from that weakened state.

Just as Duke was creeping up to the doors of the castle chapel, but not close enough to hear or see us yet.
"Hmm... perhaps... you need some more rest..." Orlock gave a nod, and gestured towards the coffin. He began to lead me towards the casket, his hand on my shoulder as he took care to help me on the way.
I resisted when I saw the coffin, "No...I'm fine."

He patted mw on the shoulder, and gave a nod, "Very well... if you are ready?"

With that, he began to bring me down the aisle, the ghastly priest rising to attention.

I watched on as Heart followed Orlock to the altar. Having just reached the chapel, I'd waited to hear what had occurred, waiting for the right moment to step in. The ceremony would begin before an empty altar, with the bride looking so distant and tearful. Why was she doing this? She looked to the vampiric lord, but didn't seem know how to break free of this.
As the priest mumbled the rites, and came to a close, Orlock answered the corpse like cleric's question, "I do."

With that, the two of them would turn towards Heart expectantly.
"I...-" I felt my very core twist as I pushed the doors open and called out, "Heart!"

She would jump and turn to see me walking up to them rather quickly, but pausing just before the altar.

"Duke?!" Heart exclaimed, "I told you to leave!"

"Heart, ya don't want this, do ya?" I pushed, "To be trapped here, givin' up on everythin', includin' our home, an' us?"

Heart forced herself to step back in fear. I could see how she wanted to reach out to me, but faltered when that hunger in her made her ache, worsening when she saw the a bit of my neck again.
The ghastly priest gave a start at this, as Orlock turned towards me, hatred burning in his undead eyes, "You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

Taking a few steps, he came over to the coffin, "Heart... I doubt you want to hurt him... lay down in here, and I'll make sure that won't happen."
Heart looked to Orlock in confusion, and then dread when seeing the coffin.

"I won't give up on her," I swore while trying to hurry over to her now.

"No!" Heart gasped, trying to keep herself in check, "Please! Stop!"

Seeing the pain in her eyes before she closed them tight, her hands grasping at her hair in desperate focus.

"Heart...?" I attempted gently while gaining a calmer pace.
"Heart... I know the impulses you have been feeling... it would be best if you enter the coffin, unless you do want to hurt him now..." Orlock said, rapping his fingers on the lid.
"You did this to me! You gave me this aching hunger, this thirst for blood! I can't escape it! Why?!" Heart snapped, tears in her eyes.

I took another careful step closer to her, trying to offer a hand to her, "Heart,-"

"Why did you let him do this?!" She demanded in her anger and hunger, being very aware of her fangs needing to seek out blood.
Taking Heart in his arms, Orlock shook his head, "Heart... you will thank me when this thief is nothing but dust.."

With that, he took her and placed her in the coffin, closing the lid and placing a rose on the lid before I could reach her. Returning his attention to me, he flexed his hand as his fingers elongated into claws. "I tried to warn you."
Heart had kicked and fought as she was swiftly carried to the coffin. She cried out in vain as the lid closed tight before I could stop it, "Duke!"

"Heart!" I called back as I drew my saber, glaring at the vampiric lord, "Ya call me a thief when you're the one that stole her against her will?"

I waited for him to make the first move, but attempted once more, "Let her go, Orlock!"
"Too much of a fool to realize you should've left long ago..." With that, Orlock lunged upon me, his razor like claws tearing at my tunic shirt.
I jumped back and blocked the next swipe.

"I can't leave her to be trapped in these walls!" I promised while managing to get in a strike of my own across Orlock's upper left arm.

Side stepping to the right, I attempted to try and reach the coffin. As I drew close to it, Orlock grabbed me by the shoulder. His nails sunk into the my flesh, as I was yanked back, and Orlock tossed me into the pews. Flicking the blood from his finger tips, the vampire strode towards me, sneering, "You dumb fool... you only stayed here so you can meet your death!"
"By takin' her from us, you've condemned our home! You're robbin' her of her future an' freedom!" I pushed back while getting to my feet.

I winced at the sharp pain in my shoulder, but fought through it to stand steady, "I can't give up on her now!"

I then murmured a spell and conjured up a blade of shadow to wield in place of the saber that had flown from my hand.
"Duke... you're only going to die tired and in pain now. Just submit, and I'll allow you a merciful fate," he told me, his claws elongating as he came closer.
"Then what, Orlock?" I questioned, "Once I'm gone, what happens to her? You'll keep her locked away from the world? Is that your way of protectin' her?"
He paused... before rushing up to me, grabbing me by the throat, "It is better than living in that hellscape outside!"
I choked out an attempt to yell out, gasping for air as well. From inside the coffin, I could hear Heart still crying out, sounding so panicked. I attempted to get free, digging into his cold hands to pull my throat free from their grasp, and kicking at his stomach as I was held up still.
The vampire wouldn't let go, only tightening his grip. His face twisted into a hideous sneer, as he began to strangle the life out of me.
I tried to focus what strength I had in me, knowing I had to...as I heard her screaming my name. With this, I managed to conjure up the energy needed to at least startle the undead prince into dropping me, as electricity burst around me from the cantrip I was able to call upon. Now on my hands and knees, I gasped for the air rushing into my aching lungs, "I...I'm comin',...Heart...!"

I started to push myself to my feet again as I heard her trying in vain to shove that lid aside to break free.

"Ya don't know anythin' about Heart, nor do ya love her!" I spat with growing contempt as I steadied my stance and took a step towards the coffin.
"I know her... I know the pain she's been through, all the suffering that you brought upon her. I won't let her be hurt like that again!" He hissed, raising his hand back as he darted in front of me, and slamming it into my face, knocking me to the ground.
As I hit the ground, I instinctively rolled away from the onslaught of following attacks. Backed against the wall opposite of the coffin, I tried to push passed my wounds to try and get up.

"I know I messed up before...but I never gave up on her, an' I won't now!"

I'd lost my conjured up blade, and couldn't focus enough to make a new one. My wounds stung, but still I took a step towards the coffin.

Almost as soon as I got up, Orlock raised his leg to kick me right back down, "I take no pleasure in doing this, but, you asked for this."
I managed to avoid the next kick, ducking down and rolling out from under the vampire's leg. With this, I leapt to my feet and started running for the rose locked casket near the altar, "Hang on!"
As I reached the coffin, Orlock went to grab for me again, his claw wrapping around my arm... but my other hand was able to grab the flower. Dragging me back, Orlock growled, "I should just eviscerate you now and be over with this game!"
With the rose in my hand, I dropped it, and tore my arm from Orlock's claws, shredding the sleeve of my tunic. As I did, I managed to get free just as the lid of the coffin began to shift out of place. I looked as I heard this, reaching the case and helping her to shove the stone slab aside, "I'm here, Heart! Hang on!"
At that, Orlock swiped at me again, trying to push me away from the coffin, "You leave her alone, you fool! I will tear you to ribbons!"
I took the hit, uttering a spell to give me some strength back, even if temporarily, to keep pushing open that lid, with my beloved doing the same from the inside. I did however yell out from the attack, as the claws struck across my back.

"I won't leave her alone...Heart's the one thing in my life I didn't have to steal...!" I swore, hoping that me words were reaching Heart as we at last pushed the lid off of the casket the rest of the way!
Again taking me by the neck again, Orlock's grip was like a vice, as he went to squeeze the life out of me, "Worry not... that life will be cut short so your suffering will end!"
"Stop!" Heart's voice cried out as she had started to sit up, free from the locked case, "Orlock, please, don't kill him!" Her cry shot through me, shaking my very core to hear her so frightened again for my sake.

Shakily, she tried to pull herself out of the coffin, finding what strength she had in her.
"I won't let him take you, Heart! Not after all you've been through and how long I have waited!" Orlock exclaimed... before dropping me back to the ground "... I just want what's best for you..."
Once again I gasped for air as I collapsed to my hands and knees. As I caught my breath, I would look up to see Heart pulling herself the rest of the way out of the casket, nearly collapsing at this point. This gave me a brief burst of strength to jump to my feet and hurry over to her, catching her and sliding to where I was kneeling to hold her. Tears in her eyes, the former dragon blooded woman threw her arms around the my neck, hugging me tight as she wept into my shoulder. Her grip tightened as she said to Orlock, "Being torn away from him would hurt far worse than anything we've endured thus far-!" Heart's hunger cut her off.

Her fangs grew out a bit as she realized how close she was to my throat. I knew this, and ran my hand up to her back, trying to ease her fears as I said, "It's okay, sweetheart...if blood is what ya need...take some of mine..."

Heart looked to me with widened crimson eyes as I smiled wearily through the pain and fatigue of my injuries, and pulled her close.

"If that's what it takes to be with ya?" I encouraged as I allowed her to bite into my neck.

I couldn't help but jolt slightly from the sudden piercing in my neck, but I held her tightly to keep her from trying to pull away.
With this display of self sacrifice, Orlock stepped back, "Do you really believe this will work? Do you think he can provide what you really need?"
Heart couldn't answer right away in words, as she was drinking the blood I'd offered her. He gritted my teeth silently, enduring what I had to in order to help her. It was strangely warm to have her holding onto me in such a way, as pain mingled with this odd comfort. With some of my strength given to her, Heart then felt me caressing her back to ease her off of me after a good while. She pulled away slightly to look up at me. Then the question registered to her. Tears in her eyes, she answered, "He already has." I smiled, despite how drained I felt at this point, in several ways, and remained kneeling before her as she held onto me now.
Turning his back to us, the vampire looked away... and out into the mists... "... you may leave now... I have not finished the rite that would complete her transformation... so she will revert to mortality... if that's what she desires..."
Both of us looked on, stunned by this given release. Heart, without a second thought, replied, "It is, Orlock."

However, first. Heart would rise to her feet, while helping me to do the same. Then, she pulled away to approach the vampiric prince, "Why the change of heart...? Or rather, why the change back? Orlock...?"

Keeping his back towards me, he took a deep breath. "... he may of failed you, but... it does seem like you two do love each other.. and it would be wrong for me to come between you two. However, if he hurts you... or you wish to escape a mortal's short life, I'll be waiting for you."

"Orlock...you deserve more than to wait...than to be trapped," Heart pushed gently.

"I can not leave this land, these mists have kept me ever since I arrived," Orlock replied.

It was now that I walked over to them, ignoring the aches and stinging of multiple injuries as I did. Looking to the now calm vampiric lord, I told him, "In your study, I found records of when the promise between Heart's Aunt Victoria and your father was made. Heart was to be married off to join your family, but leavin' Waterdeep without an heir. Doesn't that seem odd to ya?"

"Now that you bring this to my attention, that is quite strange. Who would be there for your home in your place?" Orlock pondered while looking to Heart.

I could see the unease beginning to show in Heart's eyes with this new information.

Then I added, "I also found somethin' in regards to when you were changed...somethin' about goin' back to Waterdeep for Heart, an' findin' the castle empty? That's when the mists found ya?"
"Yes," he sighed, clearly pained from the memory.

"These mists seem to creep up out of nowhere, an' they have a mind of their own somehow. It's almost like a raw form of magic, takin' control of what it can," I mulled over our encounters with it thus far, "It can trap people in it, placin' them in these encaged lands or makin' them wander through the fog..."

"There has to be a way out," Heart then said.

With Heart's words, I quickly thought back to my encounters with Madame Eva. Looking at my own hands, I began to wonder aloud, "Maybe I can guide us?"

"Duke?" Heart asked.

"I told ya about my meetin' with Madame Eva-"

"Madame Eva? The leader of the Vistani?" Orlock asked in surprise.

"You've met her?" Heart inquired.

The vampire gave a nod, "She's the one that said you were still alive, and that I need only wait for you. Without you returning, I'd be forced to stay here alone."

"Forced to...?" I repeated the words carefully, "'Cause ya can't get out on your own?"

"Only the Vistani can travel freely through the mists," Orlock informed, "They know Barovia, and other pockets of land within the mists, or so I've learned during my stay."

"Orlock, if you went to see Heart, it's only been a few months," I then realized.

"It's felt like years have gone by?" he replied in bewilderment.

"No wonder you were so persistant," I remarked while rubbing my quite sore neck.

As I did this, I then paused and looked at my hand. The darker skin tone of hazelnut that I'd never really questioned before, now caused me to wonder. My questions began to answer themselves a bit as I realized, "That's what she meant...about bein' one of them, an' acceptin' it...?"

"If you're one of the Vistani, then maybe that's how you've been able to get in and out of the mists?" Heart realized along with me, "You can guide us through the mists!"

However, despite the spark of hope I found in her eyes, I felt something twisting in my core. The lingering questions I'd had for the fortune teller. Why did the mists keep calling me? What would this mean for Heart and I? Was it really as simple as embracing my heritage and the magic I'd awakened to?Or was there something more to be wary of?

"Duke?" she caught on, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." I assured, before turning to Orlock, "Give us a chance to help ya?"

"After what I tried to do?" Orlock asked, his eyes a bit wide from shock.

"Well, yeah?" I replied as though it were obvious, "You were still a friend of hers before."

Heart nodded, "You were. One of few that I looked forward to visiting our home. You were always so kind, and loved telling me about the animals you studied."

She then added gently, "And it was sweet of you to try and find me...and your devotion to a promise is quite admirable. You deserve someone that will cherish that, my friend."

Orlock gave a bit of a sigh as he took in these words, looking over her as he did, "As I recall, I should have known better. When visiting for parties, you always snuck away. While we did talk cheerfully, I felt your spirit was elsewhere much of the time."

I looked to Heart now as she nodded, "I think I knew even then that if I was to fall in love, it couldn't be arranged in such a way. It needed to strike out of nowhere...and..." she glanced up at me.

"You needn't explain, I can see the spark between the both of you. I saw it when you looked at each other, but I was at the brink of madness from my own isolation and anguish, that I tried to tell myself it wasn't there. And I was quite concerned to see the pain inflicted on you through your memories," he told her.

"Duke's been through just as much as I have since we've been together," Heart mentioned, "What matters is that we don't give up on the other. With the life we live together, it would be difficult to promise the other constant safety...what matters is that we don't give up when the other needs us."

"As I've witnessed," he chuckled while looking over my battered frame, "I am sorry. Though I will say you're quite durable for a mortal."

"I've been told I'm stubborn by a few folks," I smirked.

I caught the smile showing on Heart's face as she stifled a giggle of her own. I raised a playful brow at this, "Do ya agree, sweetheart?"

"I did keep telling you to leave," she pointed out.

"How could I leave without ya?" I asked, "I'd miss those sapphires if I did that."

Orlock let out a slightly pained laugh, "That's so sweet and yet so dramatic. Heart, you like this sort of thing?"

Heart was already blushing for her reply, barely able to try and hide it. It got worse as I slid my arm along her shoulders to pull her close to me, smirking still as I kissed her forehead.

"I may wish to stay here if you keep this up," he feigned a sickened tone, before giving a chuckle.

It was then that I realized, wait, blushing? Looking to Heart I would see her features beginning to shift back. It was also now that I noticed how she was clinging to me through her transformation back. With this I lifted her up into my arms, giving what strength I could to help her through the transition, "I've got ya, sweetheart."

"Thank you," she said with a thin voice.

"After we get some rest, we'll guide you out of here," I promised.

"Of course," Orlock said, with a tinge of hope showing even in his eyes.

The next night we began to head towards the castle gates. Heart had recovered from her change back to her draconic blooded form, and I'd been able to heal up a good bit in the meantime. Orlock had bid a hopeful farewell to the manshion he'd spent a good long while in, and followed us to the iron doors at the front of it. The thick fog encased the space around us, causing a shiver of doubt to run through me as I thought over the discovery of my own heritage.

"Duke, if anyone can steal us out of here, it's you," Heart then said while grabbing for my hand and squeezing it in steady support.

This gave me quite the boost of confidence as I turned to face the gates, pushing them open now. Then we began our steps into the mists, keeping close together. I refused to release Heart's hand as I tried to guide them through.

"Where are we trying to go?" Orlock then asked, "It may not let us through if we don't have a set place in mind to reach?"

"Anaheim," I stated firmly, "I'm takin' us to the kingdom of Prince Borg, an' my previous home for quite a while."

Heart held my hand all the tighter as I tried to see through the thick fog. It were as though it were grabbing at us, trying to engulf us in it's dense nature, to keep us from leaving. Yet still I focused and pushed on, "We're goin' to get out of here!"

As I said this, I would look ahead, realizing that I could! In the not so distance from us, I could make out the shapes of a castle, as well as the town around it! Focusing, I would realize quickly that it wasn't that of Barovia! It was Anaheim standing before us!

"Come on!" I urged as I held onto Heart's hand, and she made sure to grab Orlock's as well.

We were sprinting now, evading the wisps of fog that tried to keep us there inside of it. Taking hold of who I was, knowing where some of my nature came from, I refused to let it keep us. We were not going to be caught and imprisoned! Not when I could steal us away from it!

With this strengthened resolve we would push through the fog, as it finally gave way and parted before us. Looking back, it would be as though it had never been there at all. Allowing the three of us to turn and face the kingdom of Anaheim standing strong before us.

Orlock at Heart's right looked on with widened eyes and mouth agape, stunned that we had actually made it through, "Is...is that...This is...?"

"Freedom," Heart assured her childhood friend gently, while still holding his hand.

Tears welled in the vampire's eyes as he took this in, and a sigh of relief escaped him, and then a quiet smile curved his lips, showing a hint of his fangs, "It truly is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Thank you for giving it back to me."

He then looked to me, "And promise that you'll do what you can to protect hers?"

With a nod, and holding Heart close to me, I replied, "Of course, just as she's given me back my own."