Orianna was seated for dinner at a large rectangular table with bench seats in the Elfsong tavern with Astarion, Tav and Gale, while Halsin and Shadowheart were currently paying a visit to Dammon's, buying some extra supplies and seeing what new armor he'd crafted.

As expected, the Tavern was of maximum capacity, exceptionally busy at the end of a ten day with happy customers enjoying a day off and ready to spend their hard-earned wages. The voices in the room were blending together into muffled incoherence, even the conversation between Tav and Gale sounded far away as she stared off into space. The two casters sat across from each other, likely discussing their favorite magical topics or debating their varying opinions on the subject.

The joy in the room did not match the heavy weight sitting in her stomach and the tightness in her chest as she poked at a carrot with her fork, having barely touched the food on her plate or the water in her glass. Two weeks had already passed with no sign of a single vampire spawn, and it was making her feel more stressed as the days passed. Her guard had been up with suspense, watching and waiting once the sun would set. It was starting to take a toll on her.

Astarion, who was sitting across from her, had spent enough time by her side to recognize the subtle shifts in her expression and demeanor. In this case, the faraway look in her eyes as anxiety slowly ate away at her spirit. He reached his foot from under the table to gently tap her calf, making her jolt and look up at him.

"Yes?"

He put his elbows on the table and rested his chin in clasped hands. "Darling, I don't mean to insult you, but you look awful."

Well, physically she looked the same, beautiful as usual. She was pretty as a picture, dressed in high-waisted brown pants and a delicate long-sleeved shirt that was royal blue in colour. But there were the slightest shadows under her worrying eyes like she hadn't had a wink of sleep.

Who could blame her though, she expected to get attacked or abducted in the dead of night. Most of those evenings he would be the one keeping an eye on her, sometimes in her room but often in his, simply because the bed was bigger and more comfortable. Even with him there he would find her jolting up to look around and get her bearings a few times a night, sometimes unable to close her eyes again. He would take those opportunities to talk with her, sharing more about themselves and partake in deep conversation. Eventually their quality time would ease her tension and calm her mind. It had become a routine of his to stroke her hair gently and listen to her breathing slow down as she was lulled back into a trance, gaining some much-needed rest.

She laughed but sounded exhausted. "I know. More so than usual, I have this terrible premonition—"

Time stopped.

Or at least it felt like it did.

Her body froze in place as cold hands pressed down on her shoulders, long fingers squeezing with the illusion of affection. She didn't need to turn around to know exactly who was standing behind her. His presence was always recognizable and impossible to ignore, always demanding the audience's undivided attention.

Astarion saw him first, his mind processing the situation in what felt like slow motion, when in reality it was only a few passing seconds. The man was tall with a slim, athletic build. His very presence was domineering in a way that Astarion knew not to act rash or make any sudden moves. His eyes locked with matching red that seemed to look past him, into his very soul. He was youthful and devilishly handsome, beautiful in fact, wearing a regal all black ensemble with accents of red and silver that matched his ruby drop earrings. His wine-red hair was silky and looked nearly black in the dimness of the light, the length of it stopping at his shoulders. He wore it pushed back with strands tucked behind his half-elf ears.

"Your premonition was correct, Orianna. And judging by your reaction, you truly believed I wouldn't come for you myself, didn't you?"

His voice was deeper than expected, but still velvety smooth. Not only did he look like a noble, but he moved with the elegance of one as he sat down beside her. His hand was still resting on her shoulder as if he were a longtime friend, keeping her close to him.

Gale and Tav were only a few seconds behind, both just as surprised but staying quiet in order to gauge the situation. Tav's glaring expression was something he couldn't hold back though, if looks could kill this vampire would have been sent to the afterlife by now.

Dragomir chuckled, amused. "Your dragonborn pet has a death wish. I merely want to share a civilized conversation."

As if to solidify his threat he nodded towards an individual that Orianna immediately recognized as one of his spawn, Devereux. As if to mock her he grinned wide and gave a small wave before pointing his thumb in another direction. Her eyes followed and scanned the rest of the room, realizing they were surrounded. A dozen or more spawn had sneakily embedded themselves into every corner of the tavern, ready to wreak havoc when ordered. It was hard to tell how many there were but knowing Dragomir he always preferred to be overly prepared. There was no way they could fight a true vampire and his spawn in such a public setting, not without spilling gallons of blood.

They messed up. Orianna hadn't expected to be pursued in such a crowded place, considering Dragomir always kept a low profile. She should have known he would manipulate her like this, to make her choose between her life and the innocent. If they fought now, too many lives would get caught in the crossfire. In fact, Dragomir would make sure that no one survived, just to make a point. She gave Tav a pleading look which made him comply, no longer baring his teeth.

"Glad to see we can all be reasonable." Dragomir smiled, showing off his fangs, the ones that had punctured through Orianna's flesh time and time again.

The thought made Astarion's hands clench.

"Please, say what you need to say." Orianna was proud of how steady her voice sounded.

"Why such haste? I haven't seen you in ages..." He swept her hair out of the way, behind her shoulder to expose her neck, but every inch of skin was still hidden by fabric as usual. He frowned with displeasure. "You did have a tendency to dress like a prude when given the choice. Or is it the scars that embarrass you?"

Orianna didn't respond to him. It made him smile, for her silence was answer enough.

His eyes then shifted to Astarion as he gripped the end of the ribbon around her neck, the bow unravelling as he pulled down. His fingers slowly undid the top three buttons of her collar, brushing her clavicle as he opened it wider, causing her to shudder.

Astarion held his tongue as he felt anger start to bubble up inside him. The sheer dread on Orianna's face was breaking his heart as he saw parts of himself within her, like a reflection of the past. He could see it now, clear as day how Dragomir saw her. She was his possession, a possession he had finally come to reclaim.

Dragomir seemed to examine Astarion further before snapping his fingers, his perception succeeding.

"Ah yes, you're one of Cazador's spawn. Although, I sense no leash on you. So, the rumors were true, he really did meet his demise."

"You knew Cazador?" He didn't want to make conversation with this vampire, but curiosity got the better of him.

"Of course, I knew him. He was the resident vampire lord of Baldur's Gate. You should know that every entity of our kind makes a point of knowing how many of us exist. I met him a handful of times over his short two century reign. Mind you, I actually first met him when he was still Vellioth's spawn."

Dragomir gazed at Astarion and searched his expression, seeing the curiosity within it and decided to humor him further.

"I'm sure you know this firsthand, but that bottomless pit of greed got him nowhere. An incredible hunger for power that could never be satiated, exactly like our hunger for blood will never cease. It's quite a hilarious set of circumstances though that his rebellious spawn was infected with an ilithid tadpole that granted him the freedom he needed to end it all."

Astarion, along with Tav and Gale looked caught off guard.

"Don't look so surprised, taking risks is not in my nature. I did my research before coming here and know everything about you and your allies, even the ones who aren't currently present. Tav, a gifted sorcerer and former Bhaalspawn." He waved his hand to the dragonborn before acknowledging Gale for the first time. "And Gale, the wizard of Waterdeep whose Netherese Orb could have flattened an entire city."

Orianna was starting to think she never had a chance to begin with. Dragomir was too powerful, too cunning, too prepared. Did she really think she could have run away from her fate? There was no chance in hell he was going to ever let her go, not so long as he still existed.

"You're all very admirable for trying to help a girl in need. Not to mention brave, for picking up arms against a vampire. But you are also incredibly naive if you truly think you stand a chance against me. You may have killed one of my kind before, but I am not Cazador. He was an immature fool that overestimated himself and underestimated you. I will not do the same." His voice was conversational like he was talking among new acquaintances, but they knew his words were soaked in threats.

"I'll give you the opportunity to say goodbye to Orianna and leave with your lives."

Tav slammed his fist on the table. "We aren't leaving and you sure as hell won't be taking her anywhere!"

"Tav... please." Orianna finally spoke. "If I don't go, everyone will be slaughtered... I can't have their blood on my hands. I could never forgive myself."

On cue, the laughter and joy in the Tavern seemed to ramp up as the night carried on, the locals completely oblivious to the impending doom that resided at their table.

"Most would see it as a weakness, but I find your compassion endearing." Dragomir smiled, brushing stray hairs from her face.

"Orianna. You can't go back. Throwing away your chance of freedom because of these nobodies— who cares if they die!" Astarion said, trying to hide the frustration in his voice.

He couldn't understand this side of her. The willingness to put the needs of others before her own. When he'd finally tasted freedom, he'd been ready to kill anyone who got in his way. He'd been practically elated at the amount of blood he'd spilt for his own cause, knowing he was better than them. That he deserved to live and was destined to survive. But not Orianna. She stayed true to herself and her character, never allowing her choices to be tainted. He had to admit her strength and resolve was one of the things that had drawn him to her. However, now was the time he wished she'd do something selfish for once.

"My, my." Dragomir interrupted. "Did you offer your neck to gain this measly spawn's favor? He seems far too invested in you." His voice was amused but bordering on displeasure at the thought of another creature eating off his own plate.

"She hasn't given me the honor."

Astarion tried to sound nonchalant. He didn't need this bastard to know she was far more than a snack, less he uses it against him and manipulates the situation even more. Deep down he felt furious, almost betrayed, that she was willing to go back to her tormentor just to save a few mortal lives. How different their alignments were when it came to their morality— their differences in self-preservation. He was ready to fight for her, to make the necessary sacrifices and she was ready to bend to this vampire's will.

Dragomir smirked. "Seems she doesn't fully trust you. What a shame you will never get a chance to drink from the source." He sounded smug as he continued. "My lovely little elf is very special. An exceptional creation. One of a kind, no doubt."

Astarion looked at him suspiciously. What was he talking about now?

"Dragomir, stop..." Orianna's brow furrowed, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed.

"Do you know why she is so precious, Astarion?"

"I have a feeling you're about to tell me the answer."

He did his best to keep his expression neutral, waiting expectantly for Dragomir to rub Orianna's secrets in his face. It was similar to a child boasting when they knew something others didn't.

"I've been a vampire for seven hundred years and never found anyone else quite like her."

He grabbed her wrist, holding it over the table beside the candlelight for everyone to see. His sharp thumb nail dug into her flesh and sliced down a few centimeters, making her wince as bright red pooled to the surface, a few drops landing on the wood of the table.

"Look closely."

As the flame of the candle flickered the slightest gold shimmer could be seen in her blood.

Astarion's eyes widened.

"Ichor of the Gods." Dragomir purred as he pulled her wrist to him, licking away the blood he hummed in satisfaction, closing the wound so as not to waste another drop.

"Orianna Amberheart is a daughter of Pelor, a demi-god blessed by the sun and a priceless gift to vampire kind. She may not have inherited any standout characteristics or abilities, other than immortality, but one goblet's worth of her blood will grant a vampire immunity from the sun. The effects are far beyond that though, it's more like being alive again." He released her arm and licked his thumb clean. "Alas, it does only last a day."

For some reason Astarion recalled the memory with Tav, promising to help find a cure for his sun sensitivity. Never would he have guessed the solution to that burden had been right in front of him, in the form of this dazzling woman whom he'd began to uncharacteristically care for. He wanted to feel disheartened by her, for having kept something so insanely valuable from him, but he was logical and understood better than any why she'd kept it secret. Who was to say he wouldn't have taken what he wanted just like Dragomir had if he'd known the truth? Even now the appetizing thought wet his palette, her delicious blood granting him the thing he desired the most.

Dragomir stood with finality. "Now then, come home with me peacefully. Everyone here will be spared, and I'll be saved from the hassle of participating in a fight you can't win. I will even make your punishment far less severe than I initially intended." He started making his way towards the door, leaving the tavern. "I'll let you say your final farewells~."

Orianna hadn't been able to look at her companions for the majority of the ordeal, especially Astarion, but then she realized this would be the last time she'd ever see them again. She smiled sadly at Tav and Gale. She hadn't had a chance to spend as much time with the wizard to know the types of emotions running through his mind, but Tav's were painfully obvious. He was upset and felt utterly useless, unable to do anything but accept Orianna's wishes to not turn this place into a blood bath. Had he still been a Bhaalspawn he might have ignored her and attacked the vampires head on without worry of consequences, painting the very walls of this Tavern red with blood.

"Thank you for everything. I wish I had more time to express how much you all mean to me." She stood up and moved to take a few steps toward Astarion.

He did the same, his expression discouraging. He had far too many questions, but he knew he didn't have time to ask them. If this was really goodbye, he wouldn't waste it by demanding a confession out of her. Questions to why she hadn't told him what she was or why she hadn't trusted him— he already knew the answers. She loved him but she'd also been scared. Scared to repeat the past.

"I don't consent to this— not one bit. Please, stay with me."

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

Before she lost her nerve, she wrapped her arms around Astarion's middle and hugged him. She felt his arms hold her tightly, like maybe if he held on tight enough it would prevent her from leaving. She pulled her head back to look at him with a question in her eyes, like she was asking for permission.

Astarion wasted no time, replying with his answer by pressing his lips to hers and sharing a parting kiss. He felt the tip of her tongue nudge against his fang with obvious intent as she pricked it, allowing him to taste her blood for the first time. He gasped as the complex flavors blossomed into pure bliss, never having experienced something so divine, unable to describe its complexity. It was a mere drop or two of her immortal blood, but it made him feel happier and more energized than an entire feast could give him. A soft moan escaped his throat, quiet enough for her ears alone as they savored the tiny moment between them. It didn't last long as she removed herself from him, the space between feeling cold and vast.

"Orianna..." His voice sounded breathless.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my heritage and all that came with it. I worried that you were only drawn to what I was and not who... If you knew, I thought it would be the only reason to keep me around..." Her expression was unreadable, like none Astarion had seen her make before. "You're nothing like him. I'm sorry I ever compared you—"

Devereux, the burly Tiefling spawn dressed in a heavy black cloak with his face concealed, grasped Orianna's upper arm and tugged her to follow. "That's long enough."

"I'm not finished."

She stumbled as she was pulled, looking back at Astarion with tears brimming as the heavy reality started to set in. She was going back to Duskmire, back to the darkness and the cage she had tried so hard to escape from. As soon as she put in the slightest resistance she was flung over the spawn's broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Astarion—!" She reached out towards him but in a quick blur they were gone from the Tavern.

Astarion and the others quickly followed, not knowing what to expect as they burst out of the Tavern doors. His eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness of the city streets, Dragomir waiting patiently beside a swirling dark blue portal with his hands behind his back. Orianna appeared to already be gone, along with his other spawn that had accompanied him.

"Thank you for taking such good care of her in my absence." His face was smug as he tossed a finely crafted crystal bottle at Astarion. "A small token of my appreciation, little spawn."

With that the vampire lord stepped into the portal, disappearing past swirling blue light. It gave one last ripple before blinking out of existence.

They stood there in silence for a few minutes, processing what had happened. To think she was gone, completely slipping from their grasp and into the hands of a villain, and they hadn't even been given the chance to try to stop him.

"I haven't wanted to kill someone this badly in a while." Tav muttered, feeling defeated. "This feels all wrong..."

Gale sighed, nodding in agreement. "The whole scenario was out of our control. In any game, the opponent granted the first move is always given the upper hand— always a step ahead. He knew Orianna's nature and took advantage of it, knowing full well he could get what he wanted without dirtying his own hands."

Astarion held up the potion bottle to examine it, only to realize it wasn't a potion at all. The liquid was bright red and shimmering gold, it was Orianna's blood. His hand tightened around it as anger built up in his chest again, begging to be released. He forced it down and closed his eyes to find some inner calm, focusing on something more grounding, like the taste of her that still lingered in his mouth.

For some strange reason, even though he had the temporary cure in his very hands he wasn't tempted to drink it. He knew if he did it would only prove Dragomir's point, that she was merely a tool to be used for their benefit. He would not disrespect her like that. He refused to use her in the same way. He would break the cycle.

"Then we take the fight to him."

Gale looked astonished, expecting those words to have come from Tav's mouth, not Astarion's. "You're actually serious?"

"Did I stutter, Gale? We gather our allies, any resources we need and make a plan. One that involves saving Orianna and killing that bastard. She will never be free unless he is dead."

"I've done a lot of crazy, life ending, undertakings with you lot— but if this suicide mission is just for you to get a suntan, I will have to decline."

"Gale, I know I've been a scoundrel. A conniving bastard with total disregard for others..."

He trailed off, wondering what to say to sound convincing. Of course, it looked all too convenient that he was going to get something life-altering out of this.

"Orianna and I are different in every possible way. She's selfless, kind, loving— all of these positive traits that I'm not. The type of person with unrelenting purity I would normally detest. Maybe I was initially drawn to her radiance because of her godly inheritance but I've found that's not the only reason. What I feel for her hasn't changed even with the knowledge that she can grant me a life in the sun again... I want her to be happy. If we don't kill Dragomir she never will be. When I think of her living a life of eternity like that— I can't allow it. I care about her. Dare I say, I think I'm in love with her..."

Gale put his hands on his hips and nodded slowly, holding onto every syllable of Astarion's words. "I think this might be the first time I've heard you say something so sincere— genuine, and without a hint of sarcasm I might add."

Astarion scoffed. "I've been sincere before."

"Not historically, especially for the sake of someone else." Gale pointed out. "Congratulations, Astarion. You've convinced me."

Tav made a fist and punched it into his hand, ready to crack some skulls and burn some vamps to cinders. "Obviously I'm in... but how the hell do we get there?" Orianna had done a good job in describing Duskmire but even she didn't know its exact location.

"We could try interplanetary teleportation." Gale rubbed his chin in thought. "Even if I hadn't seen this place myself, I would simply need a solid grasp of the destination. If there is an object, something of Orianna's from that place I'll be able to read the impressions left upon it. The items history, if you will. It might take me some time, but if you can give me a few days I can make it happen."

"Gale, I take back everything I've said about sorcerers being better than wizards. You're a genius." Tav said honestly. He may have been a powerful caster but when it came to the finer things like intelligence and learning new spells, Gale was the man.

"You only realized this now?" He smirked.

It seemed too soon to feel hopeful, but this was the sort of planning and reassurance Astarion needed to know that their ambitions weren't completely impossible.

"The items Orianna arrived with are still in her room, along with the gift Dragomir gave me." He handed the bottle to Gale. It felt uncomfortable to part with this piece of her, like it was the only proof he had that she was real.

"Don't worry, I'll return it as soon as I'm done."

Astarion nodded, looking off into the distance where the portal had been, where Orianna had vanished. He hadn't felt this determined about anything since ending Cazador. He would bring her back. No matter what, he had to succeed.

...

The room was exactly the same as she remembered, with high ceilings and far too much space for a single person. A queen-sized bed was situated against the wall with a massive canopy and expensive light blue curtains that dropped down into the arms of two gold statues that resembled angelic beauties with feathered wings. Every inch of wood, both dark and gold tones, were expertly carved into intricate patterns on every piece of furniture, from the headboard to the wardrobe, table and chairs, desk and vanity, even the doors were works of art. It was simply too much extravagance. It made her feel sick to her stomach to think mortals were out there struggling to put food on the table when she was sitting in a place designed for royalty.

The color scheme was masterfully selected with gold, white, blue and accents of red. She could not deny the vampire had decent taste, the one thing she appreciated the most in the entire room was the masterful mural painted on the ceiling. It depicted a peaceful nature scene with lush trees and impressive mountain ranges, a few naked women bathed in a spring with rays of sunlight dancing on the water's surface.

A knock at the door startled her out of her focus, she replied with a curt "Yes?"

The large double doors opened with not so much as a creek, even the hinges were taken care of in this place. Orianna looked displeased as Irina walked in. She was one of Dragomir's favored spawn, a half-Drow bard with light violet skin, piercing red eyes and long white hair that was bone straight. Her black outfit was bordering on scandalous with how revealing it was, corset barely keeping her large breasts within their confines. The skirt was tight and long with a slit up the side, showing off her thigh high black stockings and pair of heeled booties. She accessorized with an onyx gem choker, matching earrings and all.

Orianna sighed deeply and turned away from her. "What do you want?"

"Master Dragomir has ordered me to get you cleaned up and presentable for dinner. He also has some things to discuss with you in private." Her voice was sensuous, matching her physical appeal.

"Get on with it then." There was no point in fighting the small things. Sometimes you had to pick your battles.

Irina led her to the ensuite bathroom, heating the water in the tub with a handy little spell before tossing in some salts and essential oils. She then got to Orianna, undressing her gently, yet still quick and efficient.

"Why did you even try running away? It was a huge waste of time."

"If you didn't notice, time is all I have."

She sighed, stepping into the tub. It was hard to admit it did feel nice to have a half decent soak. She laid back as Irina sat behind her, brushing her hair before washing it thoroughly, massaging her scalp until it was covered in soapsuds. Orianna closed her eyes tightly as a few buckets of water were dumped on her head to rinse everything out. She rubbed her eyes and sighed again.

"Would you stop that, it's depressing. I know you're unhappy to be back, but it could be far worse. You're lucky the Master is so lenient with you." Irina huffed, ringing out Orianna's hair before drying it with a towel. "There was a time when you didn't hate it here, when you cared for him."

"Irina... that was a very long time ago. Back then I was ignorant of what he was— what a true vampire really is. I had trouble understanding that he didn't love me, he loved what I could give him." She shook her head. "Maybe I thought I could change him, that some part of his former mortality still existed. But that's against the nature of things... once someone is a true vampire, they become evil incarnate. He doesn't know how to love, only how to possess and dominate."

Irina frowned, rubbing some lavender scented oil into her hands and applying it to the ends of her wavy blonde locks. "I can't argue with that logic. Still... better to be a cherished possession than a disposable tool."

Orianna glanced at Irina, wondering if she was referring to herself and the other spawn. Dragomir treated them well compared to Astarion's sire, but they were still extensions of himself which he would command at his leisure. A spawn could always be replaced with another.

"He enjoys your physique and skills too much. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

Irina's laugh was light and charming as ever. "True. I do provide those specific skills, as you so gracefully put." She grabbed a fresh fluffy towel and stretched out her arms, wrapping it around Orianna when she stood from the tub. "You may not have been blessed with full breasts, but I've seen the way the men look at that tiny waist of yours, and those wide hips."

Orianna cleared her throat to hide the embarrassment.

She laughed, always loving to tease Orianna with mischief. She especially enjoyed causing her discomfort with her detailed descriptions involving the pleasures of the flesh. She smirked and placed her hands on Orianna's waist, squeezing as she nuzzled close with her chest pressed against her back.

"I'm sure any man or woman would love to put their hands here and hold you down~." She blew into her ear, making her flinch. "I wonder if you imagined that handsome spawn of yours doing just that... Astarion, was it? He's quite lovely to look at."

"Don't say another word."

Orianna wriggled away and padded along the bathmat, drying her feet as she scurried back to her bedroom. She was doing her best not to think about Astarion or the others, it hurt far too much to think about when she could still feel him in her arms.

Irina came back into the room and went to the wardrobe, picking out an appropriate dress. It was far too extravagant for a simple dinner, more like it was meant to be worn at an important party of nobility. The gown looked rich with deep colours of maroon and dark green. The material was chiffon, giving that sultry translucency with roses and vine patterns, and meticulous beading that would have taken days to complete.

Orianna stepped into the sleeveless gown and stayed quiet, glad that Irina seemed to respect her enough not to poke her with more questions. As expected, the dress fit like a glove. She took a breath as she felt the corset ribbons tug at the back, making her waist even more shapely with the A-line cut of the dress.

Irina looked at her with a smile. "Gorgeous as always." She complemented, guiding her over to sit at the vanity, creating an impressive half-up hairstyle with a few loose braids in record time. She then bent down before her to slip on a small pair of black heels to finish everything off.

...

When Orianna left her room, she was greeted by Viktor, a former human turned spawn, one of the five she had mentioned, and thankfully someone she got along with well. Time had stopped for him around the age of forty-five. He was pale and handsome, a wise former paladin of devotion gone oath breaker after his transformation.

No matter the situation he always had a relaxing energy about him. His hair was short, swept back in a fashionable way that showed off his features with a tiny whisp of hair that always fell forward. It was platinum blonde with sections of white highlighting around his temples, where it had been graying with age. His eyes were of course the same red as every other vampire, but they looked softer than the others. His black and royal blue attire suited him. He wore dark trousers, an elegant high neck top with bishop sleeves that had sapphire-colored roses patterned against black and grey base tones. It was somewhere on the borderline of feminine and masculine fashion.

"Lady Orianna, I'll be escorting you this evening." He bent his arm to her, and she took it, not used to those rickety heels that were a poor excuse for shoes. The support was appreciated as they walked down the hall and down a few flights of stairs.

"You look well, Viktor."

"Mm, it's to be expected. Had you run away while I was on duty my head may have been detached from my body." His voice was even and neutral, never showing too much emotion. But to Orianna, he always seemed melancholy. "The mortals weren't so lucky."

Her hand tightened on his sleeve. She felt ashamed for having sacrificed others for her escape, and for what? It seemed like a terrible waste of life, a choice not worth making now that she was back where she started.

"Try not to blame yourself. Master Dragomir has killed for far less." He rubbed her hand to console her as best as he knew how.

Arriving at a set of large double doors, he released her and opened them, revealing the dining hall that looked as dramatic and vampire-like as expected. It would have been a stereotype for sure with the black, red and gold accents among oak furnishings. The crisp white tablecloth stood out in stark contrast to the rest of it. At the head of the long table Dragomir was seated with a crystal goblet in his hand filled with what could only be blood. He was wearing the same outfit as earlier, minus the cloak. Beside him was a table setting and possibly a warm meal hiding under a metal cloche meant for Orianna.

Viktor bowed and closed the doors behind her, leaving her alone with her captor in this vast room. She swallowed down her anxiety as she walked towards him with the intent to sit down at her usual spot. He was like a proper gentleman as he stood to pull her chair out, nudging it forward as she sat. He lifted the cloche revealing a perfectly grilled steak drizzled with roux, accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. He poured her a glass of red wine to pair with it, not yet taking his seat as he hovered over her, sipping from his goblet like everything was as normal as could be. Like nothing had changed.

"You look positively ravishing, Orianna." He swirled the contents in his goblet, placing it back down on the table so he could reach for a small wooden box.

"You know, when you fled, I was quite furious. I fantasized about what sort of punishment I would have for you when you returned. However, as time passed my fury subsided and I was able to come up with something far less severe, but very convenient."

He opened the box slowly, almost like he was about to reveal a ring and ask her to marry him. Inside was a collar made with soft light grey leather and unrecognizable sigils of infernal carved into its surface. There were strange glass gems with some sort of blue essence inside them that gave the faintest glow. The clasp on the back looked too similar to a lock, causing her to feel uneasy.

"I had this lovely piece commissioned." He came up behind her and placed it around her neck, a quiet click sounded as it locked.

Immediately a chill ran through her. Why did she feel so cold?

The unknown sensation frightened her, something she had never felt in all her years. It was like a void opening up in the very depths of where she imagined her soul to be. The tether that linked her to her deity, her father, felt disconnected. Empty.

The magic was gone.

"What have you done?"

"A novel little creation. Made with those troublesome Susser blooms from the Underdark, as well as a bit of ancient knowledge and rare engineering." He placed his hands on her shoulders, leaning close to her ear. "An anti-magic field specially created for you, my love. No more spells. No more running away. You thought you felt helpless before? Well, now you truly are."

She swept her arm across the table with fury, the dinnerware crashing to the floor as she flung up like a spring. As she swirled around to face him the chair fell on its side with a bang.

"You, fucking bastard!"

Her hands clenched into fists and swung with blind rage, but her wrists were easily caught. He forced her back onto the table, pinning her wrists above her head.

"I should have done this sooner. You're never this feisty." He laughed with utter amusement, mocking her as she struggled.

She so desperately wanted to punch and strangle him. She tried to kick her legs, but the dress wasn't giving her any advantage as he settled his body between her thighs. He clasped her wrists with one hand, the other pressing down on her hips to keep her in place.

She fought against his strong grip a little more, the sting of tears threatening to fall. She wouldn't give him the pleasure, finding the strength within herself she reclaimed her inner calm, the burn in the back of her throat subsiding as she glared daggers at him.

"Finished your tantrum already?" He sounded disappointed as he adjusted their position, pinning her wrists beside her so that he could gain better access. With little warning he sank his teeth into the flesh between her neck and shoulder.

She wanted to scream but the sound got caught in her throat as the sharp pain startled her with a gasp. The familiar sting slowly faded into an ache and then throbbing numbness as her blood flooded into his mouth. She could feel the vibration of his moan against her skin as he drank deeply, her strength dwindling as his grew, taking her very life's essence and making it his own. She whimpered, the lightheaded sensation starting to kick in along with the weakness in her body. These were the moments she felt absolutely defenseless, teetering the line of life and death. The feeling of something hard pressed against her center disturbed her more than the canines in her neck.

With a quick movement he detached his fangs and threw his head back in bliss, drunk off the ecstasy her blood had provided. A breathless laugh fell past his blood-stained lips as he gripped her waist to the point of bruising, grinding against her languidly. He licked his mouth clean, staring down at her with lust in his eyes. He tilted his head to the side, noticing she was starting to lose consciousness.

"Too bad. Seems I got carried away."

The world around her blurred, Dragomir going out of focus as black drowned her vision. Her eyes fluttered shut as her body grew heavy. The last thing she remembered was feeling his soft fingers brush against her brow, sweeping the stray hairs off of her face.

Then nothing but darkness.