Helen clawed pitifully at the polished woman standing before her. Her perfume made Helen's stomach roll.

"Get up."

Helen moaned, curling in on herself further. She didn't want more needles now. She couldn't take it.

"I said, get up."

A cold hand wrapped around Helen's arm, dragging at her until she uncurled slightly.

"Carla, get me some help," the woman screeched back over her shoulder. "We don't have all day."

Narrowed eyes regarded Helen cautiously.

"I will get what I need from you," the woman said, her tone frank. "After tonight, I have a special treat planned. It won't be pleasant but I'll get the details surrounding what is left of the source blood and, really, it's for the greater good."

She paused and Helen held her breath.

"That's what you're all about, isn't it, Helen?" she continued, stepping closer. "You are a tough nut to crack though." She sighed. "I do so love a challenge."

Helen shrunk back from the woman as much as she could. She knew pain was coming. Pain and needles.

"Really, you're just making this harder on yourself," the woman said, cocking her head. "If you hadn't fought so hard... Never mind. Now we get to play dress-up. And then we'll get you some friends, Helen. Would you like that?"

Helen started to shiver, her vision blurring.

"We'll add to our collection," she murmured, lips curling into a soft smile.