I got into one of the carriages and Anna took the reins while Van Helsing drove the empty coach loaded with stakes. I sat back in the quietly, stretched in my seat and trying to rest. I had caught a cold after being in the rain last night and no proper chance to dry off. I sneezed and Carl said "Bless you Eva; do you need anything?" "That extra blanket, please" I answered, adjusting the full body cloak I had put on under the blankets and threw the last of my wet clothes on the floor. I tried to get comfortable in the seat while trying not to fall. I wrapped up in the extra blanket and laid there as the carriage rattling lulled me to sleep.

It seemed like forever until I heard Van Helsing call for Carl. I shot awake and opened the door and got Van Helsing up. Just then; I heard a snarl and saw a werewolf. It suddenly seemed like a blur as I summoned wings and grabbed Carl and we escaped the burning carriage. I landed safely and put him down. I heard Anna's voice and then I heard Velkan's weak voice. I found them and Anna asked "Can't you help him?"

I knelt down beside his banged up body and put my hand to his chest, trying to find even the faintest heartbeat. If there was a faint beat then I could save him. Sadly; I felt no beat and I closed his eyes and told her "I'm sorry but I can't help him."Anna nodded in understanding and then went off on Van Helsing to which he replied "Now you know why they call me murderer." I turned away and the next thing I knew; I was struck on the head and I fell to the ground before blacking out.

Gabriel's P.O.V

I heard that familiar cackle of Aleera's and then saw that she had Eva. Anna, Carl, and I started toward the village when Aleera appeared again. "So much trouble you have caused my master, so much trouble" she said. "What do you want" I asked. "The master commands a trade; the princess for the antidote carrier" Aleera answered. "Somewhere public, lots of people" I told her. Anna shot me a dirty look and Aleera said "Tomorrow night is All Hallows Eve. There is a wonderful masquerade ball." With that; she transformed and flew away.

"How can you agree to this" Anna asked. "Relax Anna; we'll only be there long enough to get Eva and then we'll get out of there before Dracula can get his hands on you too" I promised. "You'd better be sure I don't get hurt" Anna said before asking "Do you have feelings for Eva?" "That's crazy talk Anna" I answered. "Oh lord Van Helsing; admit it already. You've been enamored with her since you first laid eyes on her before we left Rome" Carl piped up, looking at me.

I didn't bother answering to anything as Carl and I changed into some costumes and masks while Anna took cover on the grounds out of sight from guards. We entered the palace and scanned the ballroom to find Eva. Not only did I want to get her out before Dracula did whatever he had in mind to her but to make sure her father couldn't hurt her again. She had gained her freedom once and I wanted to ensure she could keep it.

Eva's P.O.V

I didn't know what was going on but I know I heard music playing. All of a sudden; I felt a pair of lips on mine but they were cold. I squealed in a struggle when I saw it was Dracula. He continued leading me in the dance and asked "How does it feel to be a puppet on my string? "I won't be another bride Count" I answered. "It won't be like that Eva. I have better plans for you as you have such great power and I intend to put you to great use" Dracula answered. Just then; things got crazy and I was grabbed and taken by Igor and thrown on to a boat.

"Help" I shouted, trying to escape. I could see Van Helsing trying to swim after me. Igor stroked my hair and said "Say goodbye to your lover." "I'll set you free Eva" Van Helsing shouted as the iron gate came down and I saw Dracula flying above us. I closed my eyes and let the tears fall. Now I knew this was the end and I was going to die and I'd never have the chance to tell Van Helsing that I was in love with him.