A/N: New chapter! This one will be from Vanessa's POV. Hopefully, I did her justice. And thank you all for your wonderful reviews on the last three chapters:) I'm so happy you have liked this story thus far! Don't be afraid to throw in some constructive criticism if it's needed! I'm open to suggestions;)

Happy reading and R&R!

All Rights Reserved to John Logan.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Maybe you should lay back down."

I roll my eyes and look over my shoulder, at the large body hovering nervously beside me; ready to catch me if I fall.

"Ethan, if I have to spend one more moment cooped up in this room I think I may go mad."

He raises his hands in exaggerated surrender.

"Well we can't have that now can we darlin'."

I smile at the endearment and continue my slow trek across the room.

"But will you at least hold onto my arm?" He asks.

I'm about to protest when I see the worry buried deep in his beautiful brown orbs. And even though I'd never admit it aloud, I'm feeling more than a little shaky.

But I need a change of scenery.

So without further objection I take hold of his arm, his warmth steadying me instantly, and let him lead me downstairs.

OooooooooO

Everyone stands as we enter the main room, and I look around at the people before me.

Sir Malcolm, Victor, Catriona, and Dr. Seward.

They are all here.

Their faces alight with such relief and affection; it brings tears to my eyes.

Sir Malcolm is the first to approach, taking my hand and squeezing it tenderly.

"My dear, how good it is to see you on your feet again."

I look up at the man who has become like a father to me; grateful he's still here after all the hurt I've brought to our lives.

"As am I."

The rest follow suite, giving kind words and gentle smiles. Ethan stands off to my right, leaning against the arm of the couch, giving me space, though I'm aware of his eyes on me the whole time.

It is well past sunset by the time our guests take their leave, with vows of returning soon, and the exertions of the day have started to wear on me.

"Well, I think I'm going to call it a night." Sir Malcolm says, coming over to place a kiss on my forehead, before retreating tiredly up the steps.

I watch him go. Knowing these past few days have been hard on him.

On everyone.

I turn to Ethan, who's adding more wood to the dying fire, looking as exhausted as I feel.

When was the last time he slept in a proper bed?

Noticing my gaze, he comes over to sit by my side, not touching but close enough to feel each other's warmth. We sit like this for a while, watching the flames dance atop the blackened wood.

Ethan's the first to break the silence.

"May I ask you something?" He looks a bit unsure.

"Anything," I whisper.

He turns his whole body to face me and softly takes my hands in his. I look down at our intertwined fingers; his thumb is making soothing circles across my knuckles. I don't even think he knows he's doing it, but the simple action causes warmth to spread across my chest, settling deep in my heart.

It feels nice.

I'm snapped from my daze when Ethan takes a deep breath, and my eyes shoot back up to his.

"Did you see him?"

Ah.

I don't have to ask who he's talking about because I've been waiting for this question since the moment I opened my eyes.

Ethan takes the silence as my answer. Quickly shaking his head, he looks to me with apologetic eyes.

"Christ, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—" He goes to get up, but I keep my hand on his, willing him to stay.

"Wait." It comes out hoarse, and I clear my throat.

He has every right to know what I saw. He was the one who killed Dracula after all.

"The answer to your question is no, I didn't see him. I didn't see anything."

Ethan looks confused at this but doesn't interrupt me. Instead he gives my fingers an encouraging squeeze to continue.

"I was in a dark room, too dark to see." I shiver as the memories make their way back to me. "It was cold, and I could hear the echoes of someone crying out. My cries and Sir Malcolm's " I feel my voice crack and a tear makes its trail down my cheek. "And you."

"It went on for what seemed like an eternity, and then it just stopped, and I heard something else." I'm looking directly in his eyes now. "It was your voice. Telling me, I was safe. And I knew then that everything was going to be okay. That I wasn't alone."

He brings his hand up to cup my cheek, kindly wiping the falling tears with his thumb.

"You will never have to be alone again. This I promise you." He says it like an apology, guilt thick in his voice.

"I forgive you." Is all I say, hoping to relieve some of the sorrow in his eyes.

It works. He leans in to place his lips to my hair, breathing in my scent. Almost like he's afraid I'll disappear. Then he stands up and holds out his hand.

"It's late. Let's get you to bed."

Placing my hand in his offered one, we quietly make our way back up the stairs to my room.

Ethan starts up the fire while I turn down the covers and silently lay down. He goes to sit on the sofa next to my bed, but I reach out and catch his arm, stopping him. He looks down at me, confusion on his tired face.

I should tell him to go back to his room and sleep in his bed, but I don't want to be alone. So, I pat the spot next to me.

"You need a proper night's sleep, and I must confess I am not ready to face the night on my own just yet." I feel an embarrassed blush creep across my cheeks at my revelation, but keep my eyes on Ethan's.

He doesn't say anything, just walks soundlessly to the other side of the bed, the mattress sinking under his weight.

It doesn't feel awkward or strange. It feels right.

Turning to face him, pulling the sheets up to my chin. He reaches out and brushes a lock of hair behind my ear, his eyes searching my face.

"Thank you." I murmur.

He gives me a sleepy smile and closes his eyes. "Goodnight Vanessa."

"Goodnight Ethan."

And I'm lulled to sleep by the steady breaths next to me.

A/N: Vanessa is a bit harder to write, than Ethan is, but hopefully I caught some of her essences. Hoped you enjoyed this chapter and I'll try and get the next one up soon!