Crepsley pulled loose Darren's hand. It was still bleeding.

"Lick your fingers. Vampire spit will stop wounds from bleeding." Crepsley informed.

Darren licked his fingers, then looked around the lot.

"How'd we get here?" Darren said in wonder.

"It's called flitting. Which room is your friend in?"

They entered the room. Tubes ran in and out of Steve. His breathing was labored.

Kuri was standing next to him, stock still, her hand on his forehead.

"Ah good, Life support." Crepsley said, looking at her.

Darren stared. "What?"

Crepsley waved his question aside, much like he always did. He leaned over Steve, rolled up one of Steve's eyelids. Darren watched as Crespley looked into Steve's eye.

Kuri hissed at him. Of course, Crepsley ignored her.

"We're in time. He still has a few minutes left." Crepsley took a small amber vial from his pocket. He broke a wax seal then pinched out a small blackened cork.

He pulled the drip line out of the IV and emptied a drop of the vial's dark, viscous contents inside. It swirled murkily, coloring the liquid on its way into Steve's arm.

A beat and then Steve seemed to convulse, his arms and legs twitching. Was he dying?

Kuri struggled to hold on, looking at Darren, alarmed.

"What's happening?" Darren cried.

"He was near death. The journey back is not pleasant. What do you know about him, this boy with bad blood?" Crepsley asked.

Together, the two said. "He's my friend."

"Hmm... Who's his father?"

"Never met him. I don't think Steve ever did either. Why do you want to know?" Crepsley asked.

And then Steve came around. He opened his eyes, focused on Darren for a moment. He looked puzzled.

"Darren?" Steve asked, then eyed Kuri. "Kuri?"

And then he drifted off, asleep. His breathing growing deeper, steadier. Darren realized he was going to be okay. Kuri sighed in relief.

'Will you come with me now or do you have things to set in order first?" Crepsely asked.

That's when it really hit home. He's agreed to leave everything and go off with a vampire. Without really thinking, Darren started backing toward the door, his eyes on Crepsley.

Kuri nodded, mouthing "Run."

But Crepsley caught her.

"I see..." His voice was almost sad.

Darren was almost to the door. Crepsley stayed where he was.

"Run if you want. It won't help." Crepsley said, then turned to Kuri. "Shame on you, you know that."

Kuri turned her face away, a tear falling. "I had to try."

"You're a creature of the night now, Darren Shan." Crepsley said.

Darren turned and bolted leaving Crepsley alone. Chuckling, the vampire tucked Steve's covers up under his chin.