"Please explain to me why we're deliberately wandering around a village on a cold afternoon when we could be in a warm bed watching movies?" Carmilla grumbled, her breath coming out in puffs of white.

"Aw, come on Carm! We've already gone through my entire Harry Potter movie set. We can't just sit there forever," Laura brightly replied, looping one of her arms through Carmilla's.

Carmilla muttered something under her breath that sounded like, "I bet I could."

Laura stopped walking and pouted, putting on her best puppy dog eyes. Carmilla looked at her, black eyebrows beetling into a V. Laura only pouted harder, sliding her hand down Carmilla's arm until she found her hand.

"Please, Carm?"

Carmilla huffed and looked around the empty street before turning back to Laura.

"Okay, fine! I'll pretend I'm enjoying myself. Where do you want to go?"

Laura squealed and tugged Carmilla up the street. They ambled on the sidewalk, two sets of boots clacking over cold cobblestones. Laura window-shopped as they passed by each boutique, leaning into Carmilla's warm side. Occasionally she'd point something out to Carmilla who would scoff and gripe about the state of Austria's excessive consumerism.

A bitter wind blasted through the road, roaring over Laura and Carmilla. Laura shivered violently, her thin jacket no match for the cold. Carmilla unlatched her hand from Laura's and reached up to her thick muffler. She unwound the woolen scarf from around her neck and draped half of it over Laura's shoulders. Laura giggled and wrapped the muffler tightly around both of their necks, effectively fettering them together.

"Look, Carm! We're chained to each other," Laura gleefully said, her nose an inch away from Carmilla's.

Carmilla smiled back, eyes crinkling at the corners. Laura's heart danced wildly in her chest as she blushed. In the back of her mind, she compared it to the times when Danny looked at her.

(There was no comparison.)

Laura thought Carmilla's eyes were the loveliest shade of chocolate brown she had ever seen. Beautifully clear yet infinitely deep, they pulled her in. Carmilla just looked so nice when she smiled. Laura wondered why she didn't do it more often.

"I don't mind being chained to you, cupcake. But, you still haven't answered my question. Where exactly are we going?" Carmilla prodded as she wrapped an arm around Laura's shoulders.

Laura grinned and started walking again, cozily nestled up against Carmilla.

"Well, my dad's visiting soon and I'm trying to find a present for him. I heard there was a good store—oh here it is!" Laura shouted suddenly, pointing at something behind Carmilla.

Carmilla turned and saw a tiny shop tucked away in a corner. The store had a slightly sinister air to it. The storefront was painted entirely in black, so dark, in fact, no light reflected off the walls. All the windows were covered with heavy drapes, completely obscuring the interior of the shop. A wooden sign hanging from the eaves creakily swayed in the wind, its paint peeling off. The name of the store was all but impossible to make out. Chains wound across the door, a huge lock in the shape of a skull barricading the entrance.

"Cutie, are you sure this is the right shop? Is it even open?" Carmilla asked skeptically, trying to look through the windows.

"Yup, this is the place! I'm sure it's open," Laura responded, nonchalantly walking up to the door and towing Carmilla along by the neck.

She raised her fist to knock but the door swung inward of its own accord. Carmilla raised an eyebrow but Laura paid her no heed as they stepped over the threshold and into the dark interior of the shop. Carmilla reluctantly unwound the scarf from their necks to keep from choking.

"We should hurry, they're closing soon," Laura stated.

"Laura, I don't think we ought to—"

"Stop! Who goes there?" a thin high voice screeched before Carmilla could finish her sentence.

Laura started to reply when Carmilla clamped a hand over her mouth, hastily dragging her back down the hallway. Before they had taken more than two steps, the door slammed shut behind them, blocking their only avenue of escape. Complete darkness blanketed the hall. Carmilla hissed and pulled Laura behind her, pressing her into the wall. Laura scrabbled at Carmilla's arm, making indignant sounds.

"Sh!" Carmilla settled into a defensive crouch, free hand balling up into a fist.

"I said, who goes there?" the speaker asked again.

A sharp tapping sound sounded at the far end of the hallway. Carmilla shifted forward. Laura quit struggling. Why's Carm so freaked out? What's going on? Carmilla removed her hand as Laura stopped trying to talk. They both waited in the shadows, hardly breathing.

"Do I have to ask again? Who comes into my shop unannounced?" screeched the voice.

Laura watched, wide eyed as Carmilla coiled her muscles, preparing to spring. What is she doing? She can't do this! She frantically grasped the back of her leather jacket and pulled with all her might. Carmilla stumbled backwards, crashing into Laura. They tumbled to the floor in a messy jumble of arms and legs, a large thud echoing throughout the corridor.

Silence.

Laura laid on top of Carmilla, unmoving. She felt Carmilla literally vibrating from tension.

A faint scratching sound greeted Laura's ears. Before she could react, a single point of light flared brilliantly in front of her eyes, blinding her. A pair of sinewy hands lugged her upright.

"Ah ha! Now I see you! Who are you two and what are you doing in my shop?"

Laura shielded her eyes with one hand and wildly felt around for Carmilla. Strong slender fingers wove through hers, and the familiar musky scent of smoke and spice assailed her nose as Carmilla got up and stood next to her protectively. Her hair brushed the side of Laura's face, giving her courage.

"I'm Laura. And this is Carmilla, my friend. I just wanted to come in and look for a gift," she said bravely.

"Why would you want to buy a gift from me?" the voice asked, sounding suspicious.

"Because I heard you sell the best tools around here," Laura shot back.

Carmilla fidgeted but didn't say anything.

"Humph. That depends on what job you would like to get done."

Laura took a deep breath.

"Vampire hunting."

Carmilla started. Laura soothingly brushed the pad of her thumb over the back of Carmilla's hand.

There was a slight pregnant pause.

"Ah, yes, well that is my specialty." Now the voice sounded amused. "But why would a little girl like you want weapons?"

"They're for my dad. He's one of the best vampire hunters around and he's raved about your shop for years. I wanted to find a gift for him when he visited for Family Weekend. Also, I'm not little."

Carmilla's fingers tensed. Laura squeezed her hand and pulled her closer, wrapping an arm securely around her waist. Carmilla leaned into Laura but did not relax her rigid posture.

"Okay, then big girl. You said your father is a hunter? I must have heard of him in that case. What is his name?" The speaker sounded more curious than anything now.

"David Hollis," Laura said simply.

The speaker sharply sucked in her breath.

"David Hollis? Of course I know him! Why, you must be, let me see, Laura!"

The entire hallway was suddenly a blaze of light as the lanterns set in the ceiling flared to life. Laura blinked owlishly. Beside her, Carmilla stood ramrod straight. Laura rubbed her eyes as a very tall, thin woman swam into view. The woman was garbed head to toe in black leather armor. She had thick curly black hair and a rather flat face. Her nose looked like it had been smashed in a fight, while two beady eyes stared out from under bushy eyebrows. Her white teeth gleamed as she smiled.

"How do you know my dad? And my name?" Laura asked, extending her hand.

"I know everyone of importance in this business, my dear. Welcome to my shop! My name is Melissa. Please, come in! But, wait! Why is your friend here? She does not look too happy," Melissa said, shaking Laura's hand while looking at Carmilla.

"Carm's just helping me pick out a present. She's happy, she just doesn't show it very often," Laura explained, discreetly elbowing Carmilla in the ribs. Carmilla rolled her eyes but pasted a sickly sweet smile on her face.

"Nice to meet you," she murmured.

Melissa jerkily nodded at Carmilla. She motioned for the two to follow her and walked down the hallway. They paused in front of a door that Melissa unlocked. Before pushing it open, Melissa turned towards the two again.

"This is a privilege granted to a few. Speak to no one of what you see in here."

"Of course! Our lips are sealed," Laura quipped, miming locking her lips with a key and tossing it over her shoulder.

"Good, come in then."

As Melissa walked through the door, Carmilla took Laura aside.

"Laura, are you sure you trust her? We could be walking into a trap. I don't like this place," Carmilla said, staring warily at Melissa's disappearing back.

"Come on, Carm. She's a sweet lady who just owns a shop. What could she possibly do to us?" Laura reasoned.

"I don't know. Kidnap us? Torture us? Hold us for ransom?"

"Okay, seriously Carm, we're going to be fine. It's not like we're in the seventeenth century or something. Lighten up!" Laura said, patting Carmilla's hand as she sauntered back over to Melissa. Behind her, Laura heard Carmilla sigh heavily.

Laura's jaw dropped as she entered the room. How can all of this fit in here? The store—no cavern—was packed to the brim with a various assortment of weapons for vampire hunting. In one corner, ancient looking maces and sabers sat collecting dust. In the opposite corner, rifles and guns gleamed in orderly piles, countless ammunition boxes stacked next to them. Two large cannons and a mound of cannonballs rested in the third corner while a veritable mountain of stakes, both wooden and silver, towered in the last corner. Rows of heavy crossbows and quivers of arrows lined the stone floor. Ceremonial axes interspersed with deadly spears adorned the walls. Cloves of garlic hung from the ceiling, making Laura's eyes water. The whole place would have garrisoned an army of vampire hunters for a decade.

Melissa led them around the room, a huge smile on her face.

"Amazing, isn't it? I've spent my entire life collecting hunter tools. Look, here is the famous rapier that vanquished the Scourge of Highgate! And over here are the pistols the Cranswell brothers used to wound the Terror of Croglin Grange—they are not for purchase, unfortunately. Oh, and these are the axes that killed—"

"Okay, okay, we get it. Laura just pick what you want and let's get out of here," Carmilla interrupted, her normally calm voice now nervous, as she pinched her nose closed.

Laura lightly slapped Carmilla's arm.

"Carm! Don't be so rude. This is all so interesting! What's that?" she enquired, pointing at an ornate wooden spear that had a pedestal all to its own.

Melissa seemed to puff up with pride as she reverently picked up the spear and held it to the light. It seemed to thrum with power upon being touched. Its deep mahogany finish was fantastic. Delicate carvings of climbing vines snaked around the handle, a mark of extraordinary craftsmanship. But the spearhead drew Laura's attention. It didn't look like a typical spearhead in that it was single sided and very thin. Still razor sharp, it looked worn, like it had seen many a battle. Brown streaks curved in intricate spirals, wrapping around its tip. The spear was an instrument of beauty, but also of terrible destruction. Melissa caressed it with a finger as Laura watched, entranced.

Carmilla let go of Laura's hand and crossed her arms, a frown on her face.

"I am glad you asked, my dear. This is Liebe-Mörder. It is perhaps the most celebrated and coveted vampire hunter spear in existence. It has killed more vampires than any other weapon I currently possess," Melissa explained, slowly rotating the spear.

"What does its name mean?" Laura asked in a hushed voice.

"It means 'Love Killer' if I roughly translate it from German," answered Melissa.

"Wow. 'Love Killer.' How did it get that name?"

"Ah, now that is an interesting story. What makes this weapon the weapon is its head. Look, see how the tip is—"

A loud crash reverberated throughout the room. Laura and Melissa whipped their heads around to see Carmilla standing next to the remains of an elegant vase that had held hundreds of swan fletched arrows. The arrows were still rolling around the floor. Carmilla's face looked paler than normal as she glowered at Melissa. Laura opened her mouth to apologize but Melissa waved her hand dismissively and returned her attention to the spear. Laura uncertainly glanced from Carmilla's stony face to Melissa's enraptured one.

"That vase has been taking up space for centuries. Your friend did me a favor. Don't worry about it," Melissa stated matter of factly.

"A-are you sure? It looked really expensive. Carm and I could—"

"Don't be silly. Let me finish my story. As I was saying…"

Laura peeked at Carmilla but she refused to meet her eyes, instead stuffing her hands into her pockets and looking at the ground.

"…the spearhead was not originally made for the shaft…"

Laura slowly returned her attention back to Melissa, troubled.

"… spearhead was actually the point of a sword. The sword was last used in the late nineteenth century by a baron to wound a female vampire. The vampire had been courting and preying on young women in the southern Austrian countryside, hence the name 'Love Killer.' The sword had sentimental value…"

Laura jumped as Carmilla noisily kicked a piece of porcelain across the floor. Melissa remained unperturbed.

"…he brought it to my great grandmother for cleaning but the steel had become rusty and weak. My great grandmother decided to break off the tip and embed it in a shaft of wood to make into a spear. It has stayed in our collection ever since. Would you like to hold it?" Melissa offered.

Laura wrenched her gaze from Carmilla as Melissa held out the spear. She carefully grasped it. The shaft fit her hands like it had been made for her. Widening her stance, Laura experimentally twirled it above her head and whipped it down, stopping the tip a mere hairsbreadth from a stack of bows. She shifted her stance and hewed through the air, slicing through an invisible enemy. A wild exhilaration took hold of her as she cut and slashed. This was a weapon that she needed—that her father needed—to finally track down and kill the creature that killed her mother.

Too caught up in the spear, Laura did not notice the shadow that passed over Carmilla's face.

"I have been looking for a worthy buyer for Liebe–Mörder, as it was not meant to sit here on my shelves. It needs to be used, but only by one who is capable of using it. It seems like the time has come for it to leave my store," Melissa said, looking on with approval.

"How much will you take for it?" Laura enquired, stopping and wiping her brow.

"Normally, nothing less than three million euros. But, since you are the daughter of David Hollis and a warrior yourself, consider it a gift."

Laura gaped at Melissa.

"You mean, I can just have it for free?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes," Melissa replied, a twinkle in her eye.

"Oh my gosh, thank you! Thank you so much! I'll come back with my dad to thank you properly when he visits! Family Weekend's just around the corner!" Laura excitedly squeaked, bouncing forward and giving Melissa a hug.

"I know. I'll be visiting that weekend too. My daughter, Mel, attends Silas."

"Oh! I sort of know her. She's a Summer isn't she?" Laura questioned.

"Yes, as was I and all the women in our family," Melissa replied fondly, a misty look in her eyes.

Carmilla suddenly thrust herself between Laura and Melissa.

"Laura, aren't we going to be late for dinner with the Ginger Twins?" she interjected.

Laura looked askance.

"We have dinner with them?"

"Yeah, uh, Perry texted me that we should meet them at the diner across town in a few."

"She did? Well, um, ok," Laura said uncertainly before turning back to Melissa, "Thank you so much. And we're sorry about the vase. If there's anything we can do—"

"Let's go, we're late," Carmilla cut in curtly, hauling Laura out of the room before she could finish.

"Do not worry about it! Just remember old Melissa when your father comes to visit," Melissa called after them.

"Okay, will do! Thank you! Bye!" Laura yelled faintly.

Carmilla dashed down the hall and ran to the door, keeping a firm grip on Laura's arm. She pushed the door open and barreled outside, yanking Laura along. Laura tried to turn onto the main road that would take them to the diner when Carmilla abruptly changed directions, pulling her back towards the school.

"Carm! What're you doing? I thought we had to meet Perr and LaF," Laura panted as Carmilla broke into a sprint.

"We need to find somewhere to dump that stick," Carmilla replied, her voice venomous.

Laura's eyes widened as she stopped, forcing Carmilla to stop as well. She let go of Carmilla's hand and clutched the spear closer to her chest.

"Dump that stick? Carm, what's wrong with you? This's a present for my dad!"

Carmilla spun towards her, face livid.

"Laura, you don't know what you're doing. You have no idea what you're holding right now. It's evil. You need to throw it away now!"

Laura shook with rage as she drew herself up and stabbed the spear in Carmilla's direction.

"Are you kidding me? This is important to me! Why should I do something just because you have a problem with it? You don't trust my judgment, do you? Everyone thinks I'm too young or too naïve or dumb or something stupid like that. But I'm not! I'm eighteen—I know what I'm doing!" she shouted hoarsely.

"Yeah, eighteen," Carmilla snorted. "You know nothing. You've done nothing. You couldn't possibly understand—"

Laura reeled back like she had been slapped.

"And I thought we weren't strangers anymore," she whispered in a dead tone.

Carmilla opened her mouth and closed it. She stared at Laura who stared back defiantly. Laura still had the spear pointed at Carmilla.

They remained there unmoving.

Carmilla's eyes darted from the spear to Laura's face, seemingly searching for something.

Laura refused to blink.

Another gust of wind swirled around them, brown leaves skittering past their feet.

Neither backed down.

Laura quivered slightly in the frigid air.

All of a sudden, Carmilla's shoulders slumped. A resigned look came over her face as she bowed her head. Laura felt a pang of sadness. Carmilla's face reminded her of that one time she watched a herd of sheep being slaughtered. One lamb being led into the pen had the same defeated look on its face as did Carmilla, as if both knew nothing they did could save them from some horrible fate.

The resemblance unsettled Laura.

Carmilla clenched and unclenched her hands before stepping forward, palms up.

"Okay. Forget what I said. I didn't mean it. I—I'm… sorry."

Laura bit her lip as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Carmilla just seemed so small and vulnerable with her hands held out like that. Laura hesitated for another second. She didn't like what Carmilla said, but she hated seeing Carmilla like this.

Laura dropped the spear and stepped forward, mirroring Carmilla's posture. She gently took hold of Carmilla's hands, pulling her into a hug. Carmilla sank into her, burying her face in Laura's shoulder. Laura rubbed her back and held her closer, savoring the moment.

(How could hugging Carmilla suddenly feel so right?)

"Hey guys! What are you up to?" a friendly voice called out.

They broke apart quickly. Laura looked to her right and saw LaFontaine and Perry strolling down the street. Each was laden with shopping bags of assorted sizes.

"We were out getting a present for my dad," Laura replied, picking up the spear.

"That's some present, frosh," LaFontaine said, eyeing the spear, as they stopped in front of them.

"Yeah, my dad's into vampire hunting," Laura responded, proudly hefting it.

"Well, now that we're all together, want to grab dinner?" Perry offered.

"Sure! At the diner? Isn't that what you texted Carm, Perr?" Laura asked.

Perry looked confused. "Um, I didn't text anything, but that sounds lovely," she said.

Laura swiveled her head and looked at Carmilla, who had the decency to look sheepish. She scuffed her boots against the pavement, peering at Laura through her bangs. Laura kept her face impassive.

(But inwardly, she thought Carmilla looked quite adorable.)

"So, what are we waiting for? I'm starving and carrying these bags is a workout," complained LaFontaine.

"Let's all get going then," suggested Perry, meaningfully looking at Carmilla who shrugged noncommittally.

Perry and LaFontaine linked arms, which was quite a feat as each had at least three bags on each arm. They started down the main street. Carmilla and Laura followed the two. After a few steps, Laura shyly stretched out her left hand and trailed her fingers across Carmilla's sleeve. Carmilla didn't seem to notice. Laura started to pull back her hand, feeling hurt, when Carmilla reached out and securely intertwined their fingers. Laura's stomach did a belly flop. She peeked at Carmilla's face. Her grumpy exterior was back in place, but that probably was to be expected in the presence of Perry and LaFontaine. Laura looked at Carmilla for a few more seconds before deciding that things between them were all right, outwardly at least. She didn't like fighting with her friends, and especially not with Carmilla as they had just gotten close.

But now, as Laura thought back two weeks ago to that afternoon, she would have gladly welcomed a fight. Or a glare. Even a sneer. Anything, as long as she could see Carmilla.

Laura cut a small figure in the darkened room, hunched over on her bed. A shawl, draped over her lean frame, nearly swallowed her up in its folds. She aimlessly toyed with the spear on her lap, sadly tracing the carved vines on the shaft with her finger. The room felt awfully large and menacing without Carmilla.

Don't be weak.

Laura looked over at the empty bed. Carmilla's once soaking wet clothes, lying untouched on the sheets, were now completely dry. Laura hadn't moved them. If she let them be, perhaps some magic could reverse time and bring Laura back to that day.

(It felt pathetic but pretending at least gave her something to do.)

Laura closed her eyes, unsuccessfully trying to quell the whimper rising in her throat.

Don't be weak.

The memory of Carmilla bursting into their room two days before with a feral snarl on her face still frightened Laura. Carmilla had nearly torn the door from its hinges as she ran to her, asking in a desperate voice if she had been hurt. Laura had to assure her several times that she was fine. Once she looked convinced, Carmilla twisted around and ripped off her drenched clothes, hurriedly slipping into a dry leather ensemble. Ignoring Laura's questions as to why she had been out so late during a storm, Carmilla stalked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

She hadn't been back since.

Unable to look at the bed any longer, Laura lowered her eyes. She knew she should sleep. Her dad would be here for Family Weekend tomorrow. She had to look fresh and happy.

Her tears threatened to spill over.

Don't be weak.

Laura dug her nails into her skin.

Her gaze fell on the spear again. A different memory struggled to the surface.

Carmilla screaming that Laura didn't know anything.

Laura screaming back.

Carmilla saying "I'm sorry."

Laura started.

That was the first time Carmilla had ever apologized to Laura.

Perhaps it would also be the last.