got a little hector chapter here for you. added some more game characters and I'm taking liberties so be warned. as always please review. it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :)

Candles lit the grand ball room in a soft glow. Tiny hot ribbons of light, danced along the walls and ceiling, creating warm golden arcs of color that reflected off the marble. It was an impressive room, with its sweeping arches, fresco and gold leaf detailing, mosaics and stained glass windows. It was nowhere near the magnificence of Dracula's castle, but it was impressive none the less. Carmilla had seen to every detail in preparation for this night and it showed.

Hector stood back against the wall of the second story balcony that over looked the main floor. Many had come. Mostly from lesser Houses, but that was to be expected. The less powerful often sought to align themselves with the strong. But there were also a few of the older Houses as well. Vampires that even Dracula himself had not been able to lure away from their sanctuaries. A fact that Carmilla seemed to take particular interest in.

Carmilla stood in front of Hector, also in the shadows of the balcony overlooking the ballroom. Her gown of midnight black caused her pale skin to appear ghostly in its luminosity. The only color to her porcelain mask was the deep blood red painted on her lips that, for Hector knew, could actually have been blood. It was obvious she had recently fed. She would want to be at her strength for this. Beauty was just one of her many strengths, and with all of that warm fresh blood rushing through her, she was quite beautiful. But she was nothing compared to the woman next to her.

If Carmilla was beautiful, then her daughter Laura was stunning. Her hair flowed down past her shoulders in red gold waves that framed a heart shaped faced and a rosebud mouth. Emerald green eyes shone from behind pale lashes. She ethereal in her beauty. An inspiration for any Baroque era painting. She may had even posed for a few. Her beauty was inspiring, flawless, disarming, and deadly. The only thing that rivaled her beauty was her twisted sadistic need to cause pain. It was her entire world. And she excelled at it. Hector had seen what she was capable of.

She had never been permitted to touch him. Carmilla had told her that she was a true artist. As such, when in the throes of her passion she had a tendency to lose herself in her work and push her subjects past their limits. Therefore Laura had never been allowed to take part in his ... conditioning; something that had always infuriated her. Hector avoided her at all costs. She was unstable and if Carmilla were ever not around, he shuddered at the thought of what she could do.

But for now, she stood next to Carmilla and looked down at the gathering below in complete disinterest. She reminded Hector of a petulant doll.

"Even Brauner has come out of his hole," Carmilla commented, sounding pleased, "although I do not see his daughters with him."

"Will he pledge?" Laura asked.

"I cannot say ..."

"Then what does it matter," Laura whined.

"What matters, my dear, is that he even bothered to show," Carmilla said with the patience of a mother lecturing her child. "It shows that there is an interest. We must simply find where that interest lies. Now try to pay attention my darling, there are lessons to be learned here."

"Really? And what lesson would you be looking to learn from a dog mother?"

"Now Laura," Carmilla tutted, "such antiquated biases have no place in today's society. Ortega is here because I have invited him and because he just happens to be leader of the largest pack of werewolves in the territory and is coincidentally looking to expand that territory, much like us. Having a few guard dogs is never a bad thing."

Ortega. An old and powerful werewolf. One of the last true alphas left. He was said to be ruthless in his domination. He was said to hate vampires as much as he hated humanity. Not even Dracula trusted him. Hector wondered what Carmilla could possibly have in mind for him.

"Oh, well now this, this is interesting," Carmilla tapped a long finger against red lips thoughtfully, "... why has she come I wonder ... and is that her pet with her?"

"Who?"

"This could complicate matters," Carmilla murmured to herself.

"Can I kill them,"Laurav chirped brightly.

"No darling."

"Why not," Laura huffed.

"Because that would prove difficult even for one with your skill, my sweet. No, we must see what her intentions are first. Her intentions and those of her father's."

"But who is she," Laura opined. She was quite put out now at being told no. She crossed her arms beneath her ample bosom and pouted.

"Elizabeth Bartley."

Those names made Hector almost jump out of the shadows. Elizabeth Bartley was notorious for her own little sadistic streak amongst her many other obsessions. She was old and powerful and said to have extensive knowledge of dark arts and alchemy. She was not a vampire to cross. She was also the daughter of Lord Cronqvist. One of the oldest vampires and most powerful vampires still in existence ... and Dracula's brother. Making Elizabeth ...

"Dracula's niece," Laura exclaimed. "That homely, scrawny little thing is Dracula's niece?"

"She is neither homely or scrawny. Never underestimate your opponent Laura," Carmilla chided. "She is quite deadly and very old and could cause you and I both great harm."

Laura glared down at the gathering below. She opened her mouth to speak only to be stopped when Carmilla raised her hand.

"No Laura, I am quite adamant about this. You are not to try anything with her."

"Not ever?" Laura looked at Carmilla like a dejected child being denied the only treat she had ever desired.

"Not yet," Carmilla clucked as she smoothed Laura's hair. Laura looked at her hopefully once more but Carmilla silenced her with another raised hand. "We are to see what her intentions are first. For all we know she may be beneficial to our own cause."

"And if she is not ...?"

"And if she is not, then steps will be taken. But only after very careful and very cautious consideration. It will not be an easy undertaking and I would prefer not to have her as an adversary. At least not until we have taken the castle."

For the second time this night Hector felt himself tense. The only Castle Carmilla could have any interest in would be Dracula's. So that was her plan. To reclaim the castle. Hector supposed that if there was the knowledge anywhere to claim dominion over vampires it would be there. It was even said to now sit atop the original Belmont hold. A very deadly weapon to wield indeed.

"So," Laura's brows came together in thought. Hector wondered if it hurt. "We get her and her father to help us kill the half breed ... and then we take the castle ... and then, I get to kill her?"

Carmilla's smile was amused. "Very well," she cooed as she turned away from the balcony, "but only if it is necessary. It is a fight I would rather not have, especially without - why Hector! I had forgotten you were even there. Have you been sitting in the shadows this entire time?"

Hector doubted that she had forgotten, Carmilla was not one to be as careless as that. But she had begun to think of him as completely broken. A pet that has been brought to heel and now only did her bidding. It was important she believe that. In truth, there were times when Hector had begun to believe it himself. She had given him some freedom as of late. It was tempting to simply remain here and do as he was told. Perhaps she would even allow him to be with Rosaly. But then Hector knew that was a fools dream. Regardless, it was of the utmost importance that Carmilla believe he was hers completely. He just hoped he did not begin to believe it himself.

Hector kept his eyes lowered as he spoke with deference. "Not the entire time mistress."

Carmilla walked slowly to where he stood by the door, eyeing him up and down. He was dressed entirely in black, grey, and white, the colors of Styria. Carmilla's colors. She brushed off the shoulders of his uniform with a pleased smile. "You look perfect Hector. The very image of a Devil Forgemaster. You remember what I told you to do?"

"Yes mistress."

Carmilla's eyes narrowed as she looked at him. "Good boy."

Hector struggled for control under that gaze. He kept his eyes downcast but he felt that gaze as one would the heat from a raging fire. He fought the urge to reach for his neck. The collar had been removed for tonight, Carmilla had a show to put on, but she would not hesitate to return it to his neck.

"I don't understand why you still need this one. We have plenty of those little shits running around now," Laura glared at him with utter contempt. She had never forgiven him for being forbidden to "play" with him.

Carmilla continued to level her unblinking gaze on Hector as she spoke. "Now Laura, we have discussed this. Hector is one of us now and has a job to do. We all have our jobs if our plans are to come to fruition. And Hector wants to see us succeed, isn't that right Hector?"

"Of course mistress."

"Of course," Carmilla echoed.

She walked out of the room with Laura trailing in her wake. Hector fell in behind them. Carmilla and Laura continued to talk but their voices were nothing more than hushed whispers. Not that Hector really needed to hear anymore. He knew what he needed too. They wished to take Dracula's castle. They planned to kill his son. They sought to fill the void in the ruling hierarchy. More accurately, they sought to rule the hierarchy. Hector did not give a damn what they sought to do. His only concern was escape for him and Rosaly. That was his sole purpose now and they chaos of the oncoming war Carmilla was seeking to create was his chance. Let them destroy each other with their machinations. Their ambition was his opportunity. This land could burn to the ground for all he cared. He planned on taking Rosaly as far from here as possible. To an entirely different country. Perhaps even an entirely different continent. It was even rumored a that a new land had been discovered across the ocean at the farthest edge of the world. A dangerous journey to be certain, but Hector felt it could not be anything compared to what he has been through already.

Hector remained in the shadows as Carmilla made her entrance down the stairs the landing that stood above the room. Carmilla wanted to make sure that everyone was looking up at her when she entered. It was important to make an impact. She raised her glass and made a toast her guests as Hector waited. It was not time for him to be seen yet. Carmilla was all about impressions. It did not take long for her to get to the point.

"My honored friends, my dear guests ... You must know why I have called all of you here tonight. It is time we set aside our differences. We must stop the pointless fighting between houses. These are volatile times and our lack of unity puts our people in a perilous position. The time for the petty infighting is over and call for order must be established."

"Is this why you called us here Carmilla? For some disingenuous call for peace?"

Hector peered out from the dark to see a tall, pale, bald headed man with piercing eyes that gleamed. Victor Brauner had indeed come.

Brauner had never really had any dealings with Dracula that Hector could remember. Not at least while Dracula's campaign was going on. This did not surprise Dracula. The only thing Brauner has ever shown any interest in is his daughters and the great lord knew that he would more than likely rebuff any advances. In fact, as far as Hector was aware, Brauner did not agree with Dracula's war at all and called him a fool for pursuing it before retreating back to his territory. But not before sending troops from the Houses that followed him. Brauner is old and powerful, but Dracula was still the great lord.

If Carmilla was bothered by Brauner's interruption, she did not show it. Laura openly glared.

"Is is disingenuous to seek the survival of our people Victor?"

"I have never known you to be so concerned with those who rival you Carmilla," those eyes gleamed from within sunken in sockets. "Seeing as you rarely concern yourself with anything that you cannot benefit from."

"And you would be correct, Victor, because this fighting benefits no one. You, of all of our kind must see this Victor. You, who openly denied our Dark Lord and refused to answer his call to war."

"Forces were sent Carmilla ..."

"From ... minor houses Victor," Carmilla paused. Hector knew she meant expendable houses.

"And who are you to call out one's loyalty Carmilla," a new voice called out from the hall. Hector's breath caught as the crowd parted and a beautiful woman walked forward from the back of the hall. Hector now knew why Laura hated her so. If Laura was the beauty of youth, then this woman was beauty in her prime, fully ripened. Long black hair hung like a curtain down her back, creating a stark contrast to the gleaming white dress she wore. Her full bosom was accentuated by her small waist and the gold belt that circled it. She wore no jewelry other than the gold strands that were threaded through her hair and gold necklace with a single black jewel around her neck. Elizabeth Bartley had made her own entrance. Carmilla said nothing as she approached.

"Are you not the one who betrayed the great lord in Brailla," Elizabeth continued. "Was it not your forces who attacked the great lord's castle, forcing him to withdraw? Who are you Carmilla, to speak to anyone of disloyalty, much less to those older than yourself?"

Elizabeth's words hung in the air. The insult was not lost on anyone in the room. Elizabeth had openly pointed out Carmilla's age. It was the foundation vampire hierarchy was built on. And Elizabeth had essentially said that Carmilla had not only breached it, but had no business addressing it in the first place.

Laura visibly roiled at this, her mouth twisting into a snarl. But Carmilla halted her with a hand on her shoulder, her eyes never leaving Elizabeth's.

"It is true," she finally said as her eyes covered the room, "it was my forces who attacked in Brailla. In truth, the great lord would never have gone to Brailla in the first place if it had not been at my own bidding." A murmur went quickly through the room at this revelation. Carmilla let it continue for a moment before speaking once more. "I admit what I did."

What had once been a murmur now turned into an outright roar. Carmilla waited as fists rose in the air. Cries of traitor and murderess rang through the hall. Demands for justice and retribution called out. Only Brauner and Elizabeth remained still, their eyes locked on Carmilla.

"My friends please," Carmilla implored with her hands in the air, "please listen to me. Hear me out. Let me explain why and then, if you still demand justice I will willingly hand myself to you. But first hear me out." The room calmed down as Carmilla spoke. "Do you truly believe this something I would have done without good reason? Who would dare go against one as great as Dracula? The father of us all? He could have ended my existence with a snap of his fingers. And yet I still went forward, knowing it would essentially lead to my own demise, my own suicide." The room was quiet now. She had their attention. "I was there. I was at the great lord's side. I was in his confidence and knew his plans better than any of you. He was in pain, his wife, the love of his ever lasting life, had been unjustly murdered by the humans and his inability to help her had torn him apart. The great lord we knew, the great lord I loved, had been shattered. He had gone mad." A murmur rose once more in the room. "And you surprised? If what you valued and loved more than anything in this existence had been taken from you, would you not feel the same? Just imagine if it had happened to you. I know if anything had happened to my beloved Laura, I would be inconsolable. Now imagine this feeling with one as old and as great as our lord Dracula. His overwhelming need for vengeance had pushed beyond the desire to punish the guilty, but to kill all of the humans. I could not let that happen. I could not let our people starve," Carmilla paused to look around the room. "Even his own generals had questioned his sanity in the end and were turning away."

Hushed voices spread across the room once more as Brauner stepped forward. "And what proof do have to back your claim Carmilla? Who can validate this claim when all of his generals are conveniently dead?"

Carmilla stood at the landing looking down at the room and waited till the whispering stopped and the hall was in complete silence.

"Not all of them are dead Victor ..." It was at that moment Hector made his entrance down the stairwell and to the landing to where Carmilla and her daughter stood. The murmuring started once more along with one or two gasps as he approached adorned in the colors of Styria, the colors of Carmilla's House. He was known in the vampire world. His work was infamous. "If my word is not enough for you, then I give you Hector, Dracula's own Devil Forgemaster who is here of his own volition to back my claim."

"It is true," Hector began his carefully rehearsed lines, "I was there. I was with Dracula from the beginning. By the end, he was mad with grief. The murder of his wife compiled with the betrayal of his son had broken him. He not only wished to end the existence of the humans, but of all life. He wished to die himself. It was I who first went to the other generals of this ill fated campaign, calling for someone to stand and bring order to the madness. I can only assume that it was out of fear that no one confronted Dracula. Only Carmilla stepped forward. Only Carmilla was willing to put her own people's life on the line and take on that burden."

The crowd stirred at his words and Carmilla placed a tender hand on his shoulder. "No Hector, I only did what was necessary."

"If not for you," he continued, "we would all be dead."

"If not for Adrian you mean." The hall went quiet once more and all heads turned to look at Elizabeth. "It was his son, Adrian, who killed Dracula."

Carmilla turned to look down fully at Elizabeth, her disdain barely veiled. "True enough. All the more reason for us to take back the castle. While we sit here, pointlessly fighting, the humans are beginning to claim more and more dominion over the land. Because we are so preoccupied with destroying each other, they are becoming stronger and more organized. It is time for the natural order to be once more established. We must take back our lord's castle from that traitorous little half-breed that occupies it. He forfeited any right to it once he murdered his own father." Murmurs of appreciation spread through the crowd. "Then we establish a regent. A leader to fill that gaping void. One who will have our people's needs at the forefront."

"I suppose you would be the one to fill said void," Victor asked.

"I would never think to simply place myself there Victor," Carmilla replied indignantly, "this sort of thing should be decided by the majority."

"I will help you take the castle."

All heads whipped around to the source of the deep booming voice. A large man strode forth and stood at the foot of the stairs, looking up at where Carmilla stood. He was swarthy broad fellow with thick dark hair, black eyes and clothed head to toe in leather. A large knife hung at his waist. "I am Ortega. Leader and alpha to the Grey Winds pack. And I will promise the loyalty of my pack in return for your favor."

Carmilla clutched her chest as if in surprise. "Werewolves? There hasn't been an alliance of vampires and lycans in centuries."

"I'm aware of how long," Ortega said. "I am willing to forego the old grudges and forge a new alliance. My kind roams scattered and leaderless and their alphas have grown weak, losing territory to the humans. I will remedy this. Support my claim and I promise you the strength of my entire clan."

"I too, will help you take the castle."

More gasps and murmurs as another figure stepped from the crowd.

Baron Gilles de Rais. At one time, one of Dracula's most trusted servants only to fall out of favor when Dracula met his wife, Lisa. The exact reason for his banishment from the castle was not known, but rumors swirled that Lisa would not tolerate Gilles' unnatural fascination with young children, specifically little boys. It was said she had wanted him put to death but Dracula had banished him instead. It was something the Baron had never forgiven. He was a middle aged man when turned. A round pasty face that seemed to be constantly sweating framed two beady little eyes. His thin layer of hair and slightly protruding gut made him easily taken for granted, but he was anything but. He was old, powerful, and not one to be taken lightly. And he had a strong hate for Lisa Tepes and her son, holding her responsible for his banishment and current hardships.

"I will help take back the castle of my master. Even if it means fighting with mongrels."

This comment resulted in a low growl from Ortega but Carmilla moved quickly to diffuse it.

"No," she exclaimed as she made her way down the stairs to where the two men stood, "no Baron, not mongrels. Never mongrels. Allies. And by reclaiming the castle we will become strong and have the tools to cull the human race to what they should be, nothing more than game."

The hall roared in agreement as the rest of the room began to pledge their support to Carmilla's cause. Carmilla stood at the foot of the stairs and soaked up the adoration. Several of the attendants called for her to declare herself queen but she waved them off as if shocked, replying that she would only do what her people will of her. It was a well played ruse and the minor Houses accepted all of it.

Brauner, on the other hand shared a few hushed words with Elizabeth before leaving. Once he was gone, Elizabeth walked over to the landing where Carmilla now stood.

"It would seem that I underestimated you," Elizabeth said.

Carmilla simply smiled. "Won't you join me for a drink."

Once they were up the stairs and in a private room, Carmilla had a servant sent for drinks as she took a seat at the table, gesturing for Elizabeth to join her. Hector moved to stand against the wall behind where Carmilla sat while Laura stood at her immediate right. If Elizabeth was bothered about being out numbered, she did not show it. Although Hector could not imagine why she would be. She was strong enough to kill the three of them with a flick of her hand. It was not until everyone was settled that Hector saw that Elizabeth was not alone. She did have someone with her. A woman who's face was covered by a long black veil and wearing a sheer black dress that left little to the imagination. Hector wondered who this could be.

"Brauner could not stay," Carmilla asked innocently as she picked up her glass.

"Brauner has his own agenda," Elizabeth shrugged, "as do well all."

"Indeed," Carmilla smiled over her glass, "and what would yours be Elizabeth?"

"Believe it or not, the agenda I serve is not my own," Elizabeth replied, "but my father's."

Carmilla tensed only slightly at the mention of Elizabeth's father. "And what would lord Cronqvist's interests be in all this?"

It was Elizabeth's turn to smile from above her glass. "Why our ancestral home of course."

"If you were so concerned about it, why haven't you done anything!" Laura hissed.

Elizabeth's gaze never left Carmilla as she sipped from her glass, ignoring Laura completely. Something that only incensed Laura even more. Carmilla stilled her with a raised finger, but Laura visibly trembled with rage.

"Of course," Carmilla practically purred, but Hector could see the strain beneath. Carmilla might be able to take her chances with Elizabeth, but she would not dare challenge Elizabeth's father.

"Don't misunderstand me," Elizabeth continued, "you may do what you wish with Adrian. He has chosen which side he is on and is no longer our concern. We would not be able to aid you outright in this venture of course. We can not be seen openly assisting in the death of one of our own. Traitor though he may be, he is still blood. But certain ... accommodations can be made. In return, there are certain family heirlooms within the castle that my father would very much like to be retrieved."

"And those items are ..."

"Oh nothing for you to be concerned about. Just some simple items of sentimental value between brothers."

Carmilla tapped long nails impatiently against the arm of her chair. "And how can I retrieve said items if I don't know what they are."

"Because you are not going to retrieve said items. That will be left to Actrise."

Carmilla's hand froze mid tap. "Actrise?"

The black veiled woman glided to out of the shadows and came to a halt next to Elizabeth. "Yes," Elizabeth smiled, "my father has graciously lent you her services. She is quite handy in these types of situations. I think you will find her most useful. For example, did you know she can tell if a man is lying?" Hector felt his breath catch. "It is especially effective with humans. It helps when one has a soul for her to see. But she never fails. She can see right into the heart of a person. Had she been there for my uncle, I imagine things would have turned out quite differently."

"Indeed." Carmilla's smile was tight.

"Well, no use in thinking of what might have been. Perhaps you would like an example of her skills? Let's see," Elizabeth tapped her finger against her lips thoughtfully, "no use in looking into you," she said gesturing at Laura. "You're like an open book." Laura openly seethed. "How about your Forgemaster? Step forth boy."

Hector hesitated and Carmilla smiled as she gestured him forward, believing he was waiting for her permission. He was not. He was terrified. All of his careful planning and suffering through nights of seemingly endless beatings were about to be for naught. Hector knew of Actrise. He knew what she was capable of and of what she had done to become what she is today. She would see right through him. He would never escape now. The woman in black glided towards him.

Hector thought of Rosaly. Hector focused on Rosaly. The way her hair brushed her shoulders. The touch of her hands against his skin.

The woman in black stood before him. He could see the outline of her face through her diaphanous veil. Her eyes were two bottomless black pits.

He thought of Rosaly's eyes. Green with flecks of brown and blue. They could take on the color of whatever she was wearing. They fascinated him.

Two little pinpricks of white light glinted from within the endless black that consumed him. It was as if he could feel cold fingers trace his being. It was over now. Carmilla would soon know everything and he would die. He wished he could see Rosaly one last time.

The woman in black lifted her veil. She, like the other women in the room, was unnaturally beautiful. Her long silver hair was pulled back in several intricate braids against her dark creamy skin that seemed to shimmer in the candle light. She was statuesque and with her full lips and high cheekbones, she would be considered stunning as well, if not for those eyes. Any other man who found himself in this room with four exquisitely beautiful women such as these would consider himself fortunate. Hector knew that he was in a room full of vipers.

"What he said in the hall is not all truth," Actrise mused in a breathy drawl, Carmilla tensed behind him as Laura snarled, "... but he will deny it. He is her man to the end and loyal to her cause."

The veil went back down and Actrise glided away. Hector stood there stunned.

"There you have it," Elizabeth sighed. "As I said earlier, my father has no intention of standing in the way of your ambitions. We simply seek to retrieve what is ours." Elizabeth set her glass on the table and stood up. "Actrise will remain here to keep us posted and set about whatever tasks you may need I highly recommend you do try to utilize her talents. She is quite good." With that, Elizabeth left the room.

Carmilla sat, gripping the arms of her chair for a moment before she too stood. She looked at Laura, who seemed to be battling whether she was going to run at Elizabeth or Actrise. Whatever look Carmilla gave her though made Laura regain her composure.

"Come Hector," Carmilla called as the two women left the room. Hector moved to follow.

"You know that I have lied for you. I know your true intentions."

Hector froze at the door but did not turn around.

"You need not fear me Forgemaster. I will not hinder you ..."

"But," Hector asked. There was always a but.

"But I will need something in return ... eventually. Go find your woman Forgemaster; time is fleeting."

Hector quickly left the room and moved swiftly down the corridor, his heart pounding. It did not take him long to catch up to Carmilla and Laura due to the fact that Laura had paused to destroy a room in the castle.

"I'll kill that simpering bitch," a vase crashed against the wall, "how dare she," followed by a chair, "I'll fucking kill her," the sound of a tapestry ripping, "her and her whole fucking family!" A table flipped.

"Do be quiet Laura, I'm trying to think ..."

"Be quiet? How can you expect me to be quiet!" Laura spat as she punched the wall, leaving a large gaping hole. "That whore walks in like she lives here ..."

"Ah Hector, good you're here," Carmilla said when she spotted him in the doorway.

"With her smug face and then leaving that witch here!" Laura continued to snarl as she smashed another chair.

Carmilla walked to where Hector stood by the door. "This is changes nothing Hector. Do not worry, I won't let that witch get in the way of your work. It's more important than ever now. I wonder if Ortega can keep her occupied."

"Ortega? Who gives a fuck about Ortega! I will kill that witch myself," Laura screeched as she stormed towards Carmilla and Hector, "And why are you telling him this? He is a pathetic ..."

Laura was suddenly silenced by a backhand from Carmilla that sent her flying across the room and into the stone wall, landing in a heap on the floor. Hector turned away quickly. Laura would never forgive him witnessing this.

"I said, do be quiet Laura," Carmilla's voice was dangerously low and her eyes never left Hector. "As I was saying before we were interrupted Hector, continue with your work. It's important that you remain on task. Although tonight, I think perhaps a little reward is in order, don't you? You can remain the rest of the evening out of your collar Hector, would you like that?"

"Yes mistress," Hector whispered, eyes downcast, "thank you mistress."

"Good boy," Carmilla smoothed his hair, "run along now." Hector turned to leave. "Oh and Hector ..."

Hector stopped once more, turning back to Carmilla. "Yes mistress."

"I always knew you were loyal to me. I didn't need that witch to tell me."

"Of course mistress," he replied. Hector turned and scurried swiftly out the door. He could hear Laura let out a low groan from the other side of the room.

"Shut up Laura," Carmilla snapped.

It took everything in him not to run for his workroom. He moved quickly down the hall and upon reaching them shut the door. He would have bolted it if he could. Instead fell against the door as he let out great gasping sobs as he struggled to breathe.

"Hector?" A soft voice called from the far side of the work table. Hector jolted up to see Rosaly looking at him with concern. He got up and ran to where she stood, pulling her into an embrace as he cried.

"Hector what -"

"What are you doing here Rosaly," he cried softly as he wept, kissing her simultaneously, "it's dangerous. Why have you come."

"I was worried," she whispered as her mouth caught his.

He could taste his own tears as he kissed her and lifted her onto the table as she unfastened his belt. This was dangerous. He should not do this. There were no locks to the doors and if someone were to discover them, the repercussions would be unbearable.

Perhaps it was due to the blind fear he felt that evening. Perhaps it was because of the helplessness he felt, imprisoned within these walls,and she, the only bit of light that could lead him through the dark. Or maybe it was just nothing more than a pure primal need for the warmth of another person.

Hector had never been with a woman and he fumbled clumsily at her skirts. It was Rosaly that would take command. When she gently took him in her hand he thought he may lose control right there, but she guided him in her, introducing him to an entirely different world of sensations. He gasped as her warmth engulfed him.

He closed his eyes and lost himself inside her. Somewhere, within the deafening ringing in his ears, he could hear her as she whispered his name. Her arms and legs wound tight around him and he moved against her harder, faster, deeper; till he could no longer tell where one ended and the other began; till he could no longer hold back only to collapse in a pathetic heap on top of her, gasping for air.

Hector buried his face against her breast, still clutching her tightly as she held him. He thought he must be the saddest excuse of a man that there ever was. In the stories, the man was supposed to pleasure the woman for hours, was he not? Impress her with his prowess? Hector was not even certain if he thrust three times before release. And here he was, a pitiful mess, sloppily laying on top of her. Rosaly simply stroked his hair and continued to kiss his face.

"I love you Hector," she whispered softly.

He knew then. He finally understood. Dracula and the love that drove him to madness. That a something so pure and beautiful could love something so broken and damaged as he. It was all so clear to him now. And it made his betrayal rend at his heart even more.

Rosaly simply held Hector as he wept.