A/N: I'm surprised at how many people are still confused about Draco's condition. Granted, I haven't explained everything. I'm waiting for him to tell Shadow and thus the readers in person, so to speak, but I wanted to get a few things across before that point. One of those things being that Draco has never drunk blood. He even became a vegetarian after he was turned and has had no meat at all. He's barely maintaining his humanity, it's a constant struggle, and if he were to drink blood, he'd become fully vampire. Hope that clears things up a bit, and hopefully this chapter will continue to explain things.

…

Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down

~ Wednesday, March 7th 1999 ~

Draco cracked open exhausted eyes. He was in his bed back at the house. The memories of the night before were a blur. He had no idea how he got home, but from the smell of him he'd been able to retain the last bit of his humanity. He reeked of sex, not blood. That knowledge would have made him feel relief just a few months ago, but he was reaching the end of his strength. All he felt was numb.

With heavy limbs still weighed down by the last of the day, he dragged his sorry self into the shower. Methodically, he scrubbed every inch until all he could smell was clean soap. He wanted to keep going despite that. He wanted to scrub layers of skin away, but he feared what would happen if he spilled even his own blood.

By the time he was finished with his shower, the sun had set fully. Energy returned to him. He dressed quickly, anxious to return to his love's side. Shadow was the only thing that touched his rapidly deadening heart. When he pushed the door open, he found Severus asleep in the chair beside the bed. Draco gently touched his shoulder to wake him and winced when Severus' neck popped loudly.

"Bad day?"

Severus rubbed his eyes in clear exhaustion. "He was restless after lunch, but then he fell still. It's been so long since he lay so quietly. Not since I stopped giving him a calming potion. I was concerned it signified a change for the worse."

"And?"

"His vitals are the same as always."

Relief washed over both their expressions.

"Rest. I'll watch him," Draco offered.

The older man did as suggested. He was far too tired for anything else. He hadn't slept a wink last night, worried about Draco and what kind of condition he'd return in, and then with Shadow… He shook himself and moved stiffly to the door, limping heavily. "Goodnight."

Draco didn't reply. His attention was now solely focused on his love. He'd been waiting for Shadow to awaken for three years now. He'd made him the symbol of his humanity; he was what Draco clung to. Smiling, the blond went to the bookcase and pulled out the thick leather tome he'd been reading: The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann. It was their thirty-seventh novel.

"Where were we?" The pages crackled as he turned to the ribbon marking his place. "Ah, page 328, Walpurgis Night… Toward the end of the meal the ceiling light went out, and only the colorful twilight of the paper lanterns illumined the room, making of the scene an Italian night, and setting the crown upon the mood of the evening. Settembrini passed over a paper to Hans Castorp's table, by the hand of Marusja, who sat nearest him, with a green tissue-paper jockery cap on her head; on it he had written with a pencil:

But mind, the mountain's magic-mad tonight,

And if you choose a will-o'-the-whisp to light

Your path, take care, 'twill lead you all astray."

"…really live…"

Draco's voice trailed off as he glanced over at his love. There had been so many nights where he thought he heard something, saw something, to indicate Shadow was with him. Still, he paused upon hearing the imagined whispered words, ever hopeful. When a few seconds passed and there was no change, his eyes dropped again to the open book in his lap. He was about to continue when the undeniable sound of movement drew his eyes up again. Setting the book aside, he stood.

"Bad dreams again, love?" Draco asked gently, reaching forward to brush aside dark curls.

He about had a heart attack when those eyelids fluttered. His heart leapt into his throat and he stood there, not daring to breath, or blink, or move in anyway as Shadow's brow crinkled. Light as a butterfly wing, the thick black lashes parted briefly before shutting on a soft groan. Draco jumped into action. He dimmed the light in the room and fell to his knees, his hand grasping his love's.

"Shadow? Can you hear me? Wake up for me, please. I need to see you. Come on, open those eyes."

Those glorious two-colored orbs obediently flicked open, blinking slowly.

"Shadow…" Draco rasped emotionally.

The dazed eyes shifted to the side and actually focused for the first time in years. "Dra…co…" A small smile brushed Shadow's full lips.

"I'm here," he promised. "Oh Merlin… You're awake." Tears streaked down his cheeks. "You're awake."

"Drac…o… Want… to… li-" A dry raspy cough interrupted the weak words.

Draco scrambled for the water pitcher and quickly filled a glass. He sat on the bed and carefully helped Shadow to sit up, bracing the skinny back with his arm. Shadow was so weak that he couldn't lift his arms let alone the water to his lips, so, with Shadow's head resting on his shoulder, Draco carefully helped him drink.

"Slow down. That's it. You're doing so good."

Shadow drank greedily until the glass was empty. He smiled tiredly as he felt Draco begin to rub his stomach, soothing the cramps drinking had caused. The pain was nothing compared to what he was used to. As badly as his body felt now, it felt so good to be with Draco again. So good.

"Draco…"

"Yes, love?" he asked softly, still rubbing slow circles.

"You were there… your peacock… I remembered…"

"I will always be there for you," Draco murmured into the ringlets under his cheek. He had no idea what his love was talking about, but he knew that much for certain. "I love you. I've been waiting so long to tell you. I love you, Shadow."

Shadow laughed softly, his eyes closing as warmth spread through his chest. "I know. Peacocks mate for life. White ones have found their mate. Never find another."

Draco's hand stilled as he absorbed that information. "How long have you know that?"

"Long time. But it's okay. I love you, too… Serpentine…"

"Shadow?" Draco gently lay him down so he could look into his face. He was sleeping once more. "Hey, stay with me."

"Not goin'… ne-where… Jus' tired…"

Draco bit his lip and held on tightly to Shadow's hand as the brunet's breathing deepened into sleep. It took him several minutes to pull himself together, but he still couldn't bring himself to let go. With his left hand, he grabbed his wand and cast a sloppy Patronus messenger in Severus' direction.

The Potions Master came running in wearing only his sleeping robe, his hair mussed. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Draco looked up at him with luminous grey eyes. "He woke up."

Severus blinked, not taking in the words for a moment. He rushed forward and cast diagnostic spells at his son in rapid succession. Almost instantly, the results informed him that Shadow was sleeping normally. He was no longer in a coma. Severus' legs threatened to give out and his lips trembled traitorously. He brought his hand up in front of his mouth to hide it.

"What…" He cleared his suddenly tight throat. "What did he say?"

Draco couldn't articulate at the moment. Instead, he looked up and held the dark-eyed gaze. He offered his memory to the desperate man. Had Severus been anyone else, he would never have done it. It was a private, cherished memory already.

Severus staggered and sat heavily in the chair Draco had abandoned. "Merlin… He's awake…"

Draco laughed, voice thick with tears. "I said the same thing."

"Merlin…" Severus had to cover his eyes as he began to cry. His son… His son was returned to him! A laugh bubbled its way up from his stomach.

"…Dad…"

Severus was on his feet and beside the bed, leaning over his son, in an instant. "I'm here. I'm right here, Shadow."

"Miss you… Dad…"

Severus bit his lip hard before answering thickly, "I miss you, too."

Shadow sighed, content, before blinking open sleepy eyes. "Tired…"

"You're body needs care. You've been sleeping for a long time."

"Sleeping?… Felt so real…"

"Can you sit up and eat for me? You need to gain back your strength. I know it's hard, but if you want to get better, you have to work at it," Severus told him gently.

"Want… to live…"

"Good," Severus praised and kissed his forehead. "Omi."

"Yes, Master?" the elf responded instantly. He'd been watching excitedly from the doorway.

"I need broth quickly. Put in a half dose of nutrient potion."

"Yes, Master!"

Draco lifted Shadow again and braced him with an arm across his back to keep him sitting up. "We'll go slow. Just take it easy," the blond reassured.

"You got me," Shadow responded with a smile.

"Yeah. I got you." Draco sat and pulled Shadow in toward his side, half-hugging him. "And I'm never letting go."

"Good." Shadow tilted his head to rest on the strong shoulder behind him. His eyes sought out his father. "Remember everything." Just thinking about it made his heart kick up a bit with fear. He remembered being Seraphim, Demon, and… Boy.

"Shhh." Severus gently grasped his son's chin, forcing the dilating eyes to meet his own. "Don't think of anything right now. Just us. Just this moment. You are safe. Trust me. Trust us. We've got you. All you need to do is lay back and let us do all the work."

Shadow was too tired and sick to sustain his fear. The sound of his father's voice, his steady gaze, the warmth of Draco all around him - it made him relax. He could trust these two. However, the fear had tightened his muscles and his legs spasmed painfully. He whimpered and tried to ride it out, but the pain kept rising, bringing back his anxiety.

Severus quickly began to massage the weakened muscles with a topical muscle relaxant that he kept in the bedside drawer, but he could see he wasn't helping enough. Shadow began to whimper, his head tossing. The spasms took over his back and stomach as he tensed further. He was sobbing now, begging for it to stop, for the punishmentto end.

"Omi! A pain-reliever! Quickly!"

Omi popped in with the bottle and almost tripped in his anxiousness.

Severus summoned it and forced Shadow's mouth open. He was terrified the pain would send the teen fleeing back into a coma. He waited with baited breath as Draco rocked his fragile son and whispered non-stop in his ear. Severus could only hope he would get through to him.

"It's over. You're fine. We're here," Draco soothed, cradling Shadow's head on his shoulder.

"…tired…" Shadow whispered on an exhale.

Draco laid down on the bed, pulling Shadow into his side once more. "Sleep. You can eat after you rest for a little while."

Severus ran a diagnostic the second Shadow's breathing evened out. "He's just sleeping."

Draco nodded and continued to run his hand rhythmically up and down the smaller teen's back.

Staring almost hungrily at his son, Severus shifted his weight back toward the door. "I'm going to get things ready for when he wakes again. Message me when he does."

Again the blond nodded, his attention riveted on his charge.

xXxXxXx

~ Thursday, March 8th 1999 ~

Luna skipped into the Great Hall with a delighted laugh. She spun, her robes twirling around her slender legs, her hair waving behind her like a banner. "The Fallen Angel has returned to the Exiled Prince! Three cheers for the beginning of a new day!"

Dozens of sleepy eyes stared blankly back at her. She giggled. Such sweet children. They'd understand soon enough. With a shrug, she skipped toward the Gryffindor table and kissed Ginny's cheek.

"You're in a mood this morning," the redhead snorted. "Did you get into the coffee again?"

"The Lost will return soon, Gin. Are you ready?" Luna whispered in her ear.

Ginny stared as understanding dawned. "When?" Her knuckles turned white around the fork she held.

"That won't do. You have to be ready, not angry." Luna moved to when Ginny grabbed her wrist.

"When, Luna," she said lowly, her eyes dark.

The blonde shook her head and carefully freed her wrist. Ginny glared but let her go.

The Ravenclaws studiously ignored Luna as she sat among them. She laughed into her plate. Boy, were they going to be surprised. Well, they couldn't blame her for not telling them. It wasn't her fault they didn't listen. Excitement bubbled under her skin. She couldn't sit still! After only a few bites, she got up and danced her way out of the Hall.

"Lovegood, wait."

She turned and smiled brightly up at the handsome seventh year Slytherin. "Yes?"

"You were talking about Draco, weren't you?" Rogan asked her. "He's the exiled prince?"

"Well, I guess there are two Princes, one by blood, the other by bearing…"

"Lovegood," he growled in frustration.

"Don't worry." She gently placed her palm over his chest. "It's exactly what you're hoping for."

"Rogan?"

Miles limped around the corner, leaning on Lillian's arm. His disease was taking its toll. His back bowed forward, his legs were twisted from being broken so many times, and his left hand was almost completely useless as his finger joints had fused together. His shrewd brown eyes took in the pale palm on Rogan's chest. He smiled.

"So she was talking about Shadow and Draco, then?"

"They coming back in time for the wedding?" Lillian smiled brightly.

"Ask Loony," Rogan responded with a snort as he moved to help support Miles.

Luna gave a musical little hum before waving and skipping off down the corridor. This was going to be so much fun; she could hardly wait!

The two boys watched her go, baffled looks on their faces. Their eyes met and they gave minute shrugs. They were Slytherins. They could be patient.

xXxXxXx

~ Friday, March 9th 1999 ~

Shadow's muscles had grown so weak that he could only churn them through the bath with no more strength than a baby. The warm water had potions to help his muscles relax and gain strength more quickly. It tingled against his skin. Severus sat behind him, his strong fingers massaging his arms while murmuring encouragement into his ears. Draco crouched before him, working his legs. Shadow pushed against his hands like he were riding a bicycle.

"Harder. There you go. That's it."

They'd been in the bath doing different exercises for almost an hour, and Shadow was drenched with sweat. He didn't want to do this anymore. Tears fell down his cheeks.

"You'll be better soon. You're already doing better," Severus told him proudly. "You're doing so good."

"Hurts," Shadow croaked out, his breathing labored. "No more."

Draco looked over at Severus with tormented eyes. He didn't want to hurt his love, but he knew this was necessary to Shadow recovering.

"All right," Severus relented. "Let's get you out and tucked into bed. You can eat something and take a nap."

Draco moved forward and lifted Shadow into his arms bridal style. Shadow pressed his face into his shoulder to hide his tears of frustration and pain. With practiced movements, Severus and Draco had Shadow dried and in his pajamas without requiring the weakened teen to help. They'd been taking care of his unconscious body for years now.

Shadow was too exhausted to feel embarrassment, though he knew he'd feel it later. He grimaced. He was getting so sick of bitter soup. No matter what broth Omi cooked, the nutrient potion made them all taste sour. He made a face but didn't voice his complaint as Draco fed him with steadfast patience. Shadow could hardly meet his eyes. He felt so pathetic.

"I'm tired," he said when he couldn't take it anymore. He weakly pushed the bowl away and laid down on his side, closing his eyes tightly.

Draco said nothing to this. He didn't need empathy to know that Shadow was reaching his emotional breaking point. He slid into bed behind his love and wrapped his arm around his waist, pulling Shadow against his chest. He smiled when Shadow didn't pull away.

Shadow woke a couple hours later. It was day time now, early morning sunlight flooded the room. He looked to the side and saw Draco deeply asleep, his chest slowly rising and falling. He frowned. Yesterday the blond had slept all day as well. He had brushed it off as Draco being tired, but two days in a row?

Severus came in with another bowl of soup. The man smiled as he set up the lap tray and pulled up a chair. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not hungry!" Shadow snapped and tried to cross his arms, but they were sore from being worked on the last two days. "Why is Draco sleeping?"

"He's tired. We had a hard week." Severus lifted the spoon. "You need to eat. You are far too underweight, and you need to keep up your strength."

"I don't want it," he said again. His body hurt all over. He was sick of feeling weak! Of being treated like a baby! "I hate that fucking soup!"

Severus met his son's blazing eyes. "I was under the impression you wished to get well."

"It's too hard!" Shadow cried, his anger swinging rapidly into despair. "I can't do it!"

"You can because you are not alone. We're going to do this with you." He lifted the spoon again.

Shadow ate silently, his eyes downcast. He wasn't placated. Emotions churned in his chest, and his lips tightened with effort at he fought to keep them in check.

"You ready?" Severus asked, but he didn't wait for an answer before he lifted his son into his arms and carried him from the room.

Shadow wrapped his arms around Severus' neck to keep his balance as his father limped down the hall to the dueling room. Inside there was equipment that would help him regain his strength. Severus, of course, brought him to the one he hated most. The two parallel bars stood at waist height. He was placed on his feet at one end, and he quickly gripped the bars to keep his legs from buckling under his own weight.

"Let's see if you can get to the other end today."

Shadow's arms and legs trembled with effort. Sweat was already beading at his forehead. "I can't!"

"You can. Try."

"I can't!" Shadow screamed again. He knew if he moved either a hand or a foot to take a step, he would collapse.

"You made it halfway yesterday. I know you can do it," Severus repeated, unmovable.

"I'm tired!"

"Try! We've worked so hard to keep you alive. Don't throw that away. You need to put forth some effort. We cannot do it for you."

So pathetic! So weak! Shadow bit his lip as tears spilled over his cheeks. God! He was always crying! He wanted Draco. Draco wouldn't make him do this.

"Try, Shadow. You can do this."

A shaky foot slid forward. One hand moved, then the second. He dragged his other leg forward. It hurt! It was too hard. "… Can't…" he gasped.

"Again. Come on. Just a few more steps."

Sweating, crying, Shadow forced his body along the bars. Halfway to his father, his right arm gave out. He cried out in pain as he caught the bar hard under his arm before sliding to the floor. Severus was there instantly, offering him a pain potion and rubbing a topical potion into his spasming muscles.

"Hate you," Shadow gasped. His fingers curled into a fist as he sobbed.

"I know."

Severus finished rubbing the strengthener into Shadow's arms and legs. He lifted him off the floor, bringing him to a specially designed rocking chair. It resisted being pushed and required Shadow to use both legs to get it to go backward. He also handed the flushed teen a round ball. Severus sat in front of his son and they passed it between each other. Thirty minutes later, Shadow literally couldn't lift the ball anymore. By this point, he was so exhausted he fell asleep in the chair.

Expression softening with distress, Severus leaned his head back and sighed, his arms hanging limp at his sides. He wished he could take this from his son. If he could bear the pain for him, he would do so gladly. It was infuriating that recovering should be a burden just as heavy as the many ordeals Shadow had overcome.

Please let him make it through this. Don't let this break him, he begged. "Omi!"

The elf appeared, wringing his hands in great distress. "Yes, Master?"

"Get the bath ready and bring me another bowl of soup in an hour."

"Yes, sir!" Omi popped away.

Carefully, Severus lifted Shadow and carried him to the bathroom.

xXxXxXx

~ Saturday, March 10th 1999 ~

Hermione stared into her mirror once more. She wore black tights, ankle-high boots, a red skirt, white sweater, and a black scarf. Her hair was braided down her back. Pushing her brown-framed glasses up her nose, she grabbed her purse and left her room. She had no idea what the night would hold for her or what to expect from Dursley.

She'd talked herself out of going a hundred times that week, but in the end she was curious and, besides, Dursley knew where she lived. She couldn't expect to avoid him forever now that she knew he worked on campus. She'd much rather get this over with than have him jump out at her unexpectedly. Still, she half-hoped he wouldn't show up.

Nothing could be that easy, of course. Dursley was standing on the sidewalk at her dorm's entrance. He wore a light blue button down over his bulky girth. The blue cotton vest and black slacks altered her that he was taking this date seriously. His light blond hair was even gelled into attractive spikes. Hermione swallowed, her steps slowing, but then she squared her shoulders and stepped outside.

"Ah. I was afraid you forgot," Dudley said cheerfully and held out his hand to her to help her down the last few steps.

Hermione avoided the hand. "I am rather busy. I have a test on Monday."

"Good thing it's only Saturday night," Dudley returned and led her toward the parking lot.

"What's this about?" she asked evenly, following him.

"Can't a guy ask a pretty girl out to dinner anymore?" His blue eyes twinkled at her. "It's been so long since I heard about my cousin. It's only right that I know what's happening to my family."

Hermione felt sadness wash through her. The world thought Harry Potter was dead and, in a way, he truly was. She did not relish being the one to tell Dudley that his cousin was dead.

They arrived at a small Honda. Dudley opened her door, and she got into the car still thinking about the bad news she had to relay. Coming around to the driver's side, Dudley started the car. He smiled over at her, and Hermione smiled weakly back. The night was going to be a horrible one, she could tell.

"How long have you worked on campus?" she asked to distract both of them.

"Since last summer. I worked security at a bank for a while, but this job pays better. Plus, one of my best mates works here in the kitchen."

"Oh."

"How long have you been goin' here, Hermione?"

"Almost five semesters. I graduate this December."

Dudley smiled brightly. "Congratulations."

"Uh, thank you." Hermione fidgeted with her skirt. Dudley wasn't anything like she imagined from the stories Harry had told her. She didn't know what to think or how to act.

They rode on in silence for several minutes until Hermione lifted her eyes and looked around. They were leaving the small town, having past the main street where most of the restaurants were. An uneasy feeling stole into her stomach as she glanced over at her date. He caught her look and smiled at her again.

"So how'd you know Harry? Go to his school, did you?"

"Oh, uh, yeah, but I, um… I haven't been back in years. To, ah, that world." She was rambling, not sure how to explain to a Muggle. How much did he know?

"That's good."

She frowned at him. "It is?"

"Yeah. That you realized how much better it is to be normal." He winked. "I'm glad or I wouldn't have met you."

"Oh…"

"So you used to be mates?"

Hermione looked out her window as memories swirled in her mind. "Yeah. We used to be really good friends. Ron, Harry, and I… We were once really good friends," she repeated softly.

"Good."

Dudley's charming smile faded and his blue eyes turned ice cold. He slammed on the accelerator and jerked the wheel to the side. The car flew off the road and raced toward a tree. He heard the freak scream. There was a loud crash. Glass shattered. His seatbelt pressed on his chest as his head whipped forward.

Dazed, he sat there for a moment before turning to see what happened to the freak. Not having worn her seatbelt, her head smashed into the windshield, rendering her unconscious. He pried himself from the totaled car and made his way to her side. It took some effort, but he got the door open and dragged the limp girl out.

He dragged her over to the bushes where he'd hid his motorcycle. It took some maneuvering, and he was drenched with sweat and out of breath before he was done, but he got her draped over the front without her feet or hands dangling. He started the engine and sped off down the road.

xXxXxXx

Draco woke instantly. Dread coiled around his gut as his hunger made itself known. This would make the third night he hadn't gone out. Having sex with countless faceless people had been bad enough when his love had been in a coma, but with Shadow awake and aware it was going to be impossible.

"You're awake."

He turned his head to see Severus sitting in the chair by the bed. The exhausted expression didn't bode well. "Bad day?"

"He is growing more and more discouraged. Not to mention he has a fever. He had a few flashbacks before I got him to take some Dreamless Sleep." Severus ran a hand through his hair, at wit's end. "I wanted to wait until he was more stable, but I think it's time we called in Lupin. He is a better healer than I, and he is familiar with Shadow's medical history. We've put it off for long enough."

"Telling Lupin will have Black and everyone else here. He can't be crowded," Draco argued as he sat up, shielding Shadow with his body.

"We won't let that happen," Severus returned firmly, holding that glowing grey gaze. "Watch him. I'll fetch the wolf."

Draco nodded reluctantly. He turned to examine his love. He didn't look well. He was pale and flushed at the same time. His skin was hot and dry when Draco brushed his forehead with the back of his knuckles. He reached for the rag and water and gently bathed Shadow's overheated face.

Shadow's eyes fluttered open. He smiled at seeing the blond hovering over him, but then he frowned. "Nooooo," he groaned. "No more. Please."

"Hey. Just rest. We're not going to exercise right now."

Shadow eyed him suspiciously before relaxing. Draco wouldn't lie to him. "Thirsty," he whispered and instantly he had water at his lips. He drank gratefully until the glass was empty. He smiled up at his love in thanks.

"How are you feeling?"

He smiled wryly. "Like crap."

"I'm sorry," Draco murmured, bathing his face once more. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Kiss me," Shadow demanded suddenly.

Draco's eyes sharpened predatorily. His body moved before his mind caught up with him, and then it was too late. His mouth was on his love's. The taste of him… the feel of those lips matching his passion… the sound of their heavy breathing… Draco's hunger roared into a bonfire. He stabbed his tongue forward roughly.

Shadow moaned in ecstasy and kissed back, starving for touch that didn't hurt, almost desperate for it. He sucked hard on the tongue invading his mouth, using his own to press back. It felt so good. His mind was fogged with fever and potion. It made worry and fear far away and allowed him to enjoy the sensual moment fully, his body hardening in all the right places. Draco devoured his mouth, sending sparks shooting down his nerves.

Draco felt his fangs descend. He flung himself away from the bed, their mouths parting with a wet sound that almost broke his resolve. He stood shaking with his effort at self-control.

"Draco…" Shadow panted, head turning to track his lover. "What's wrong? Feels good."

"You need to rest," Draco bit out, trying to find the strength to leave the room, but he was frozen in place. He wanted to taste his love's blood so badly… He knew it would be better than anything he'd ever know.

Shadow studied him. Draco's white-blond hair had fallen free from behind his ears and framed his pale face. Two red circles of color had appeared high on his hollowed out cheeks and his eyes shimmered strangely. It looked like he was the one with the fever and like he'd lost too much weight too quickly.

"I'm not the only one. Are you okay?" It was so hard to focus, but his worry over Draco cleared his head a bit. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing, I'll be right back." He used the fear of being discovered by Shadow to get his feet moving toward the door.

Draco didn't stop until he reached the potions lab and the large cabinet standing in the corner. He opened it and grabbed a potion from the top shelf. It was blood red, smelled like sulfur, and was no thicker than water. He downed the horrid thing in one go. His bloodlust transmuted into plain lust. He groaned. The glass vial slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor. Almost blind with need, he groped for his pants and quickly spat into his palm.

Chapter end.

A/N: I just want you all to know how much your reviews mean to me. They sound so excited, and it really sustains my creative energy. I loved the scenes some of you came up with! I think you may find versions of them appearing here in the future. (grins)