AN: If some-one is reading: what do you think of my story so far? Please give me some feedback :-)

- VI -

"Marcus!" A harsh voice addressed the Hungarian from across the courtyard. "Stop this, immediately!"

Corvinus's kiss ended abruptly, the feel of his lips and mouth against her throat vanishing as he was dragged away. The next thing Amelia felt was the strong muscles and steadying grip of an arm catching her and preventing her from falling to the ground. Marcus stumbled backwards with a hiss, his piercing blue eyes savage.

"She is not to be kissed! You will not touch her again! Is that understood?" her saviour spoke from the shadows, taking charge of the situation.

Marcus backed down under the force of the order, appearing chastened for now. Long enough for sense to return to his eyes.

Now the vampire's spell fell from her mind, and Amelia could move her limbs again, free of the fear she had felt. Turning carefully, she searched for the probably young and strong man who had spared her from Marcus's touch. She wanted to thank her saviour who had managed to fend off the undead, but when she finally met his eyes, she was quite surprised.

The man looked like Viktor; however, he was not the dying, gaunt old man she had known. He wore a black velvet cloak draped around his broad shoulders, adorned with silver embroidery, a large silver pendant around his neck, and expensive rings on his fingers. Though nothing of that splendor could compare to how his features had changed. He still seemed pale, but in every other aspect, he looked ten years younger than he had only two days before. His hair was fuller and darker, and the deep worry lines were gone from his face. Most curious, however, was the change in his eyes. The dull, watery grey had faded and been replaced by an aquamarine blue. Though the color differed from Corvinus's eyes, she immediately noticed the unnatural glint in them.

"Milord...you, too...?" Her voice sounded weak, and she could not keep it from trembling.

"Yes, my dear, that was part of the pact I made with Marcus Corvinus," Viktor said softly, soothing her with his touch. He glanced past her and to Marcus who stood with his head bowed, breathing heavily. "If my blood did not satisfy you, you shall have a bull, but you will never again lay your hands on an unwilling mortal."

"As you wish..." Marcus said, clenching his teeth and reluctantly submitting to Viktor's order.

His eyes were still that unnatural blue as he glared at Amelia before retreating back into the keep.

"Are you well, countess?" the prince asked, showing genuine concern.

Amelia nodded despite the lingering traces of weakness. She stood upright and tried to offer a gracious and confident smile. Viktor's hand left her back. "Thank you, Milord. You may have just saved my life." Her voice had returned to her normal silkiness.

"As you have saved mine," he softly said, looking down into her eyes. He let his gaze wander over her features long enough to note the small freckle on her upper lip. With his newly awakened supernatural senses, Viktor was able to hear her pulse and to see every vein beneath her fair, rosy skin. He opened his mouth but said nothing. The tips of his fangs must have been visible, for a hint of fright lit up her eyes once more.

"I... should get my dagger back." She broke the silence, glancing around the courtyard in search of the weapon.

He spotted it in a distance and went to pick it up."I assure you, you won't need it against me," he said, putting the blade into her belt, his hand lingering on her waist for a moment.

Her worried expression changed into a small smile, and she nodded again."It is cold, we should go inside," she said.