This is not good, thought Van Helsing as he looked into the fearful eyes of the villager. He had not expected the village to learn of Dracula's return so quickly. Van Helsing had actually thought that Dracula would want to keep a low profile, and he saw this new death as a sign. Turning to Carl, he spoke.

"Carl, Dracula is saying something. I don't think he would have this happen if it did not mean something." Carl thought for a moment and then replied.

"I agree, Van Helsing. But I think the question is, what is he trying to tell us?" There was silence as they thought.

"Boy, may we see the body of the victim?" asked Van Helsing.

"No, my lord," said the villager softly, looking down. Van Helsing exchanged glances with Carl.

"And why is that?" he asked quizzically.

"Because she has already been buried. Her burial was just yesterday." Van Helsing looked grimly towards the cemetery.

"Well she is no good, then," said Carl, looking hesitantly up at Van Helsing, who had an odd look in his eye.

"You speak truth, Carl. Thank you for your assistance," added Van Helsing to the villager, tossing him a coin. As they left the scrambling and anxious villagers, Carl began to sort things out.

"I think that we will have to question this town healer. How did she know it was a vampire attack?" stated Carl.

"Carl, this is not the first time in their history that they have encountered vampires," said Van Helsing in a way that made Carl feel very dumb.

"Oh yes, of course."

"There is no need to question her. I think that Dracula just needed to let us know that he has her," said Van Helsing, in his true thoughts. "As if that was in question," he added glumly.

"Van Helsing, I think that now we should be looking for her, instead of brooding," said Carl who was quickly given a glare from Van Helsing.

"Yes, but where would they be? He would be daft to go back to his castle."

"I think that now it is our only hope."

Aluka's pov

Aluka was having "dinner" with Dracula. The problem was, neither of them was eating. Aluka was not because she did not trust the food Dracula had provided, and Dracula instead of eating was just drinking a glass full of what looked like wine, but Aluka knew as blood. He was sitting there, just staring at her in a sly, evil, and conniving way. She was glaring back at him, constantly looking around at the many small and ugly guards.

"So," said Dracula, "How are you enjoying your stay at my home?"

"I'd say its rather, um, interesting," said Aluka cautiously, though still glaring at him and never letting her guard down.

"Oh, tut tut, I would have expected more than that. I daresay it is a tad fancier than the Valerious Manor." He caught her off guard.

"How…? What…?" she began, looking for words that would explain her shock and confusion.

"You take me for a fool, Miss Tirana. Yes I know your middle name,"he added at the second shocked look on her face.

"There are two people on this world that know that Tirana is not my last name, and rather my middle. You are not one of these two," she said in a hushed manner, not really wanting to know how Dracula knew what he did.

"Once again, you underestimate my powers and connections. I know more than you will ever care to hear. I live for all time. I have read every book, and I am close to Lucifer himself. From here, your shock can only grow." Aluka did not respond or know what to say.

"You have much fear, my love."

"As well I should," Aluka almost interrupted.

"Why should you fear me?" said Dracula innocently with a small smile that did not reach his cold eyes.

"I think a more fitting question is: Why shouldn't I fear you?"

"Well stated, my love." Aluka looked revolted. The fact that Dracula was not taking any action to dispose of her scared her almost as much as if he had put a werewolf on her.

Van Helsing's pov

Van Helsing was shocked that once inside Castle Dracula undetected that Aluka could possibly be there. He walked cautiously with a shaking Carl by his side, crossbow out. The lack of guarding was incredible. As they walked on a balcony over looking a huge dining area, Van Helsing spotted her.

Dracula was at the head of the table, back to the balcony, and Aluka was sitting next to him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw them.

Aluka's pov

Aluka saw Van Helsing and Carl on the balcony just by luck with her peripheral vision.

"Um, I um, have to get something from my room, and I'll um be right back," Aluka stammered quickly getting up to leave.

"I shall have on of my servants get it for you," said Dracula coolly.

"No, thanks, I'd rather get it myself," she said skittering off.

"Van Helsing and his little side kick can wait," said Dracula not even looking up at her. She began to run in the opposite direction to the door that served as an exit. Dracula stood and watched her struggle with it. He had had it locked. Dracula turned.

"Hello Gabriel. It was so nice of you to drop by. I am sorry, but I shall have to detain your friend a little bit longer. I am not sure you will see her again," he said with an emulation of sadness and sympathy.

Without warning there was a huge crash as the window in the dining area broke and Aluka could not be seen. Van Helsing and Carl ran along the balcony and were in shock when Dracula did not come after them. They took one of the castles passages to the river beneath it to find Aluka shivering in a completely soaked dress.

Van Helsing ran over to her and without hesitation pulled her into a passionate kiss. Carl began whistling as Aluka pulled away slowly.

"I-I'm sorry, I just, um, I thought that, well, sorry," Van Helsing murmured, looking down. Aluka smiled.

"I never said I had a problem with that," and pulled him back to her as Carl continued to whistle.

Thank you all for being patient. I have been unreasonably busy since about January 1st this year and I just found time this summer to update at last. Thank you for the reviews that reminded me to continue. I luv ya all!