When Colin and Melissa returned, she insisted on cleaning his wound with liquid soap from her travel kit and applying a clean bandage. Colin was pleased by her attentiveness, clearly prioritizing his care over the ball's planning. Melissa, however, was keenly aware of his gaze, the unmistakable look of infatuation. She was willing to play the role of his fake fiancée, but only as a temporary charade. She wouldn't give him false hope; her departure was inevitable, and she needed to remain focused on her objective: returning home, without distractions.

  As she finished bandaging his hand, she said, "So, I think before we explore options of extracting information about Eleonore and her physician in the asylum, we need a plan to stop those vampires of yours from slurping the blood of innocent peasants after the feast." She shook her head, still amazed by the absurdity of the topic. "And even though I know a million ways to harm them… possibly… because in my world, they’re fictional, none of it might work in reality. Start with the local lore, the undead as you call them. I’m hoping some of my knowledge of folklore and literature might be useful."

  Colin nodded. "At what point shall we commence?"

  "Their origins. You mentioned a connection to baronial families. So, please, start from the very beginning, from the first recorded encounter."

  Colin's macaw landed on his shoulder. He opened a box of cookies on the table and offered one to the bird. "There you are, Mr. Blue Choo. We shall require your… discreet assistance in this matter, as a sort of confidential agent." He smiled mischievously at Melissa. "I haven’t yet divulged, but Mr. Blue Choo possesses a rather exceptional acumen. Though lacking the faculty of speech, he’s been trained to perform a number of useful tasks—carrying things, dropping objects, using keys—he’s a sort of partner in my adventures. We really must bring him; he might prove quite useful."

  "You are full of surprises, Colin," Melissa said, raising her eyebrows. "A bird not as an exotic pet but to help you when you get into tricky situations, brilliant." She smiled. "So, tell me about vampire lore, please. So I know what is fact and what is fact and fiction."

  "The tale commences here, in London, nigh two centuries ago, with a Baroness named Grace. Before her time, the undead were unknown; she is, in essence, their progenitor. She suffered the misfortune of stillbirth, losing five infants. The sixth, however, was born scarcely alive, cold and failing. Despite every effort to nourish him, he refused sustenance. A midwife, observing nascent teeth, examined them, whereupon the babe bit her finger and imbibed her blood. He thrived upon this sanguinary diet, though he remained perpetually cold. As the infant progressed to toddlerhood, its appetite for blood increased exponentially, leaving the household staff pallid and enervated—for human blood was its sole sustenance. The populace, deeming him a demonic entity, demanded his demise. Thus, the Baron, with the Baroness's father and other family members, resolved to rid themselves of this shame, entombing the creature, named Christopher, in the family crypt, for none possessed the fortitude to slay it outright. When they attempted to confine him within the sarcophagus, he resisted with extraordinary ferocity, biting and striking with preternatural strength for a lad of five years. The Baron, in desperation, resorted to a blade, but this only incited Christopher's rage, leading him to slay his own father. They succeeded, with great difficulty, in securing him, bound in chains. Grace was deceived, told her husband had been murdered and her child abducted. She offered a substantial reward, but to no avail. A month hence, the Baron was laid to rest in the same crypt. Upon entering, they heard Christopher's agonised cries. They opened the coffin, and he revealed the treachery that had befallen him." Colin paused, drawing a breath. "Now, can you possibly conceive of the Baroness's subsequent actions?"

  "She punished her family for trying to get rid of this child?" Melissa raised an eyebrow.

  "Indeed, she did. But bear in mind, by this point, the common folk regarded this child as a pestilence, a veritable plague. He had been stabbed, left for dead, and yet, a month later, he remained, his wound healed, a mere scar remaining as testament. Thus, she invited her conspirators to dine, only to poison their repast. She and the monstrous child were the sole survivors. Later, she was condemned as a witch and burned at the stake, but Christopher was taken in by his grandmother. And so, his reign of terror began. Villagers vanished, one by one. Though none witnessed his acts, all harboured the certain knowledge that he was the culprit." Colin shook his head and looked down in disgust.

  "What happened to him?"

  "One day, he simply vanished. No one knew his destination, nor the true nature of his departure. But one fact remained indisputable: Christopher ceased to age beyond his twentieth year, regardless of the passage of decades. He sired ten children, and you, my dear Missy, have already made the acquaintance of his eldest." He looked at Melissa straight in the eye, nudging her to guess.

  "I only met one vampire, Mr. Montgomery. So I have no idea…" Melissa could not finish before Colin started nodding. Her mouth widened as she could not believe this. "Wait, how old is he? Humans don’t live that long. What the hell, what is he?"

  "Your assertions are entirely accurate. Mr. Montgomery is, without question, of considerable age, and, furthermore, he is assuredly not of human origin. That much is certain." Colin continued to nod, affirming her conclusions.

  "Wait, so all of these vampires are related to Christopher?" Melissa tried to wrap her head around this crazy story.

  "All of them. He was the progenitor, yes, but assuredly not the sole example of their kind."

  "You also said that Christopher didn’t age, but Mr. Montgomery was old, why did he age?" Melissa looked genuinely confused.

  "It would appear that Christopher alone possessed true immortality, untouched by the ravages of time. Despite their greatly lengthened lives, the effects of aging do eventually take hold. I have heard a tale, relayed by a reliable source, that he was not, in fact, the Baroness's natural son, but rather, was discovered by her in the very same forest where I found you." He took her hand, his expression serious. "And you, my dear Melissa, are living proof that a gateway exists within those woods—a gateway, I suspect, not merely to your wondrous realm of future marvels, but also to a far darker domain, from whence creatures emerge to prey upon the living."

  "Let's say Christopher was found or brought from some world that one can find when you enter that maze in the woods, why haven't there been other vampires or similar type creatures coming to your world? Why was it just Christopher?"

  "Now that you pose the question, I must confess, I do not know. James Miller and his associates maintain a vigilant watch over every undead within London's bounds, yet it is entirely plausible that other truly immortal beings, akin to Christopher, have traversed through the maze and departed the city. Or, perhaps, even more dreadful creatures have made their way through. We must return you to your own time and destroy that infernal maze, lest further incursions occur." Colin said with detectable worry in his face.

  "Don't listen to me, I always think about the worst scenarios. If there was some monster roaming England, I am sure you would have heard about the stories. But you haven't, right?" Melissa tried to lift Colin's spirits up.

  "No, I have encountered no such tales. And, as far as we are aware, all known undead reside within London and its environs. However, you have now illuminated a grave oversight; whilst the maze remains, these creatures may enter at their whim." He put his hand on his chin and disappeared deep in thought.

  "Well, the good thing is, apparently, it is very hard to find the Maze. Who knows when it will appear, so I think you should not worry so much about destroying it for now. Our biggest worry is actually making it appear." Melissa said, attempting to cheer him up, though he seemed barely to register her words.

  "One wonders if we are not, perhaps, over-analyzing this entire circumstance. I shall arrange for a number of men to maintain a constant vigil at the precise location of your entry into the maze. They are to report any untoward occurrences without delay. Thereafter, we shall ensure your safe return and extinguish the gateway's existence," Colin, however, remained focused on his own line of reasoning.

  "Yes! Let’s pay someone to stay there in shifts and wait for the maze to appear. I love the idea! If you could already find someone to be there first thing tomorrow, that would be great!" Melissa exclaimed happily. Then, shifted the conversation "But that aside, do you want to learn new tricks about how to deal with vampires or not?" She raised an eyebrow.

  "Do not hesitate to recount every minute detail, I implore you," Colin replied with a smile.

  "Okay, I’m not some expert, but you can kill them with a wooden or iron stake if you pierce it through their heart. Also, they are afraid of direct sunlight, it burns their skin, umm…"she trailed off, trying to recall all the vampire lore she knew from movies and books, before dramatically exclaiming, "Uh, uh, they do not like garlic; I think it’s toxic to them, and so is silver. Oh, and you already know, but they live for a very long time, and they do not really age. In some stories, they also fear crucifixes and holy water. There are also even more niche ones; they do not have mirror reflections for some reason, oh, and they can hypnotize you. I might think of more, but I think those are the main ones." She finished, scratching her head.

  "Ah, now that you mention it," Colin's face brightened, a mischievous grin appeared, "I have never, in all my days, witnessed a vampire in broad daylight, within the hallowed walls of a church, nor adorned with any jewellery—not merely silver, mind you." He paused thoughtfully before continuing, "Regarding their reflections in mirrors, as a lad, I recall elders referring to them as 'hollows,' a term that, in retrospect, suggests they may have observed their own reflections, or rather, the absence thereof. Thus, your theory may well hold merit. The matter of hypnosis, however, I find less convincing, as I have been in close proximity to them on numerous occasions, yet have never experienced any such influence. Nevertheless, I shall remain vigilant; one cannot be too circumspect when dealing with their kind. As for wooden or iron stakes, I have never personally harmed one of them, merely assisted in their capture. However, I have witnessed the demise of one such creature. It fell into a trap designed for wild beasts and was impaled upon hawthorn spears."

  "How about James Miller, how did he kill the ones he captured?" Melissa asked.

  "They have apprehended two of the creatures, and he has subjected them to both stabbings and repeated firearm assaults, yet they persist, much like the legend of Christopher. They possess an unnerving capacity for regeneration, regardless of the severity of their injuries. Thus, he confines them within a concealed subterranean prison." He paused, then added, "I believe I now possess the requisite information to formulate a plan, one that will enable us to rescue those unfortunate souls whom Miller forewarned us would be consumed after the Duke of Ensworth's ball."

  With that, Colin brought out papers, and they plunged into planning, mapping out every possible scenario and detail. Hours passed, and by midnight, they had agreed on a plan, one that Colin would set into motion the following day. They were under no illusions; even with careful planning, the undertaking would be dangerous, but it was necessary.

  The next morning, Colin took care of the arrangements he had promised. Afterwards, he took Melissa to a seamstress store to select a dress for the ball. On their return, Colin informed Melissa that he would be visiting James Miller the following day, to share only the necessary parts of the plan. He emphasized that she was the only one, besides himself, who would know the full extent of their strategy. He could not risk Miller discovering her knowledge of vampire hunting techniques, as he would undoubtedly capture her, using her as an asset until she became a liability. Instead, he would leave Melissa with his neighbor, whom he believed she should befriend, as she would also be attending Ensworth's ball."

  "The next morning, as Colin dropped Melissa off at his neighbor, Mrs. Nyssen, he wished her luck and went on his way. Melissa slowly ascended the polished granite stairs and knocked. The door opened, revealing a pale woman with dark, black hair, who smiled warmly. "Ah, you must be ze Missy! I haf heard all about you! You are ze… how you say… ze talk of ze town, you know?" she said, her German accent thick.

  Melissa, taken aback by the woman’s enthusiastic greeting, replied, "Oh, I didn’t know I was such a big deal. You’ll have to tell me all about it—the good, the bad, I’m all ears." She smiled, then added, "And you must be Mrs. Jasmine Nyssen, a friend of Colin’s."

  "Bitte, you must call me Mina. Ja? Come in, come in! Make yourself… at home! What is mine, it is also yours." Mina said, gesturing for Melissa to enter.

  The house’s interior bore a striking resemblance to Colin’s, with its vibrant colors and exotic plants, prompting Melissa to ask, "Have you and Colin ever… been an item? I can’t help but notice that your house looks like an extension of his."

  Mina laughed and shook her head. "Ach, nein, nein, Missy. Not all of us are so lucky as you to catch his eye like zat. I truly thought he vould die a bachelor, buried with his books, ja? Und I know I am not ze only one. So, if zere are bad rumors about you, trust me, it is all from jealous vomen, overlooked by Colin." She paused, pouring tea for Melissa. "Even if you are not quite correct with your… hypothesis… I must admit, you are observant. Und correct about me decorating his house. It is a passion of mine, even more zan singing, you know?"

  As Melissa sipped the rather bitter tea, she said, "I’m sorry for being so blunt and asking about your and Colin’s relationship. It’s none of my business. I have no idea what came over me."

  "Nein, nein, bitte, always speak your mind und ask vat you desire. There is nothing in zis vorld I value more zan honesty. Und zere is no need to apologize; now zat you two are betrothed, jealousy is a… how you say… a natural feeling, ja?" Mina said with a wide, reassuring smile and a nod.

  "Me, jealous? Never, why would I…" Melissa stopped herself, realizing the advantage of maintaining the illusion of their romantic involvement. "Indeed, I was. I’ve never been in love, you see, so this is all new to me," she lied.

  "Neither haf I. I hear it is ze most vunderful feeling in ze vorld," Mina said dreamily.

  "Aren’t you married? No, wait, sorry, don’t answer that. I promise I’m much better behaved normally," Melissa said sincerely.

  "Nein, bitte! I haf meant vat I said, always be honest. To answer your question, I am married, ja, but not all of us are meant to find love. Some of us must marry because zat is vat us vomen haf to do to get by in life. But let us not ruin our afternoon talking about my husband. Rather, tell me vat you vill vear tomorrow," Mina smiled.

  The two women lost track of time as they discussed the attendees of the ball, and Mina recounted her past career as a world-renowned opera singer, expressing her excitement to perform the next day. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they failed to notice the passage of time until Colin knocked on the door to pick up Melissa. He thanked Mina for entertaining her and bid them both farewell."

  Once back at Colin’s house, they reviewed their plan, going over the last details.

  "I think we’ve got this. Thank you, Colin, for taking care of all the preparation. I just wish I could have helped more," she smiled, taking his hand."

  You have proven immensely helpful; you are a blessing, precisely what I had hoped to find. I now possess a clearer understanding of how to effectively combat the undead, and, ultimately, to bring their reign of terror to an end by closing that gateway in the woods adjacent to the theatre. Thank you, Melissa," he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

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  "Tomorrow is going to be a big day, I should get my beauty sleep," Melissa said, standing up to walk to her room, but Colin stopped her, grabbing her hand.

  "Hold," he said, as she turned to face him. "I merely wished to convey that, should unforeseen circumstances arise, I shall exert every effort to ensure your safe passage. It might seem that my efforts are solely directed towards preventing the vampires from harming others, but I assure you, your safety is my foremost priority. Naught is of greater importance to me than your safety and the fulfillment of my pledge to return you to your own time. Melissa, I love you, and I felt it imperative that you know," he said, hugging her tightly.

  She did not say anything or even hug him back. If asked why she did not reciprocate, she would have rationalized it as a lack of time for affection and distractions, but the reality was she was also starting to develop feelings for Colin. The real reason for her silence was a deep-seated belief that he didn’t truly know her, that he loved an idealized version of her. She feared the novelty would wear off, and his feelings would change. It wasn’t that she felt unlovable or didn’t know how to handle attention; on the contrary, she held herself in high regard. But this was different, this was genuine, selfless affection, and it scared her. She didn’t want to hurt him, or worse, be hurt herself. Sensing her lack of response, Colin released her and apologized for the hug.

  "Don’t be sorry, I’m not a hug person. I don’t even hug my parents, so it’s nothing personal. I’m just not the type who shows affection to anyone really. Unless you’re a cat or a dog, then I will shower you with cuddles, but if you’re human, you’re out of luck really," she said, looking away.

  "I had no intention of causing you distress. If it is your wish, I shall refrain from any further physical contact. I ought not to have acted so rashly; I repeatedly lose sight of the fact that our engagement is merely a facade, and thus, I conduct myself in a manner unbecoming a gentleman towards a lady who is not his betrothed. I feel as though I have behaved as an ill-mannered brute. You did not deserve such treatment," he said, looking defeated.

  "No, please, don’t misunderstand this. I cannot believe I’m going to say this, but it’s because you deserve so, fuck it, umm…" She exhaled and rubbed her fingers on her temple, uttering, "I liked the kiss we had, I liked this hug, I fancy you too. Here, I said it." She raised her eyebrows and looked him dead in the eye before adding, "That said, it would be best if we kept this relationship at bay because I need you as a friend to help me come back, and complicating things with whatever this is is stupid and irrational. So let’s just forget I or you said anything. Okay?"

  "You?" he said, closing his eyes and shaking his head, almost shouting the words. "Fancy me?" He looked at her, needing to be sure he’d heard right.

  "Otherwise, I wouldn’t have said it, but you don’t need to shout about this." She said, blushing.

  "I shall proclaim it! I shall do so this very instant! Missy Bennet fancies me!" He shouted at the top of his lungs.

  Melissa covered her eyes with her hands and started laughing, embarrassed. "All the neighbors will hear," she said, sushing Colin.

  "You truly believe so? Because I’m of the opinion that it’s just you and I who heard that." A devilish smile appeared on his lips. "Shall we put it to the test?" Colin moved to open the window, beginning to shout, "Missy Bennet fancies…" before Melissa slammed the window shut.

  "Who are you and what have you done to the well-behaved, self-contained Colin that I know?" she said, her mouth wide with an obvious smile she tried to hide.

  "I feel as though I’ve reverted to a lovestruck youth; I cannot help myself." He took a step towards her. "You deem affection and sentiment foolish and illogical. But, pray tell, which of my actions has ever suggested I am either clever or level-headed? Why, only a few days past, you yourself declared that you were more mad than Eleonore or James Miller. Thus, I posit, we are a match forged in the very heavens." He gave her a smirk.

  She squinted at him and said, " You should have been a lawyer instead of a hunter, could have been a much better fit, with those arguments and that memory of yours."

  Colin was taken aback. "It is curious you should mention that. My legitimate profession, the one that actually provides a livelihood, is that of a barrister. Undead hunting, regrettably, is neither lucrative nor held in high esteem. Therefore, I trust that fact renders me even more appealing in your eyes?" He smiled.

  "You’re never gonna let that go, are you?"

  "Never!" he declared dramatically.

  The next day, Mrs. Wilson helped Melissa get ready for the ball. Colin put on his fanciest tuxedo to match Melissa’s luxurious gown. He placed Mr. Blue Choo in a cage and put him in the carriage, then they sat in it themselves, ready to depart. Both gave a little nod to each other, and Melissa added, "It’s show time!" Making a finger gun gesture. Colin mimicked her, and both were very excited but terribly scared too.

  When they arrived at the most luxurious and over-the-top castle Melissa had ever seen, they stepped out, and Colin gave a small nod to the carriage driver, signaling him to begin their plan. The driver took the carriage and horses to the stables and released Colin’s macaw from its cage. He then found the head housekeeper and informed her that he had found the bird hiding in the stables.

  "Oh, thank heaven, sir! You’ve found it! Their Lordships would have been quite beside themselves to learn of such a loss." Exclaimed the relieved head housekeeper.

  She took the bird inside and let it fly into the massive marble-floored hall where the guests were arriving. Duke Ensworth had more than twenty of these birds, so Colin’s Mr. Blue Choo blended seamlessly with the others.

  As Colin and Melissa entered the main hall, they immediately scanned the musicians, looking for John Miller. As planned, he was there, clean and well-dressed, pretending not to notice them to avoid suspicion. Colin had decided it was best not to directly invite Miller but to have him there unnoticed as a musician. He had learned the names of the musicians from Mrs. Nyssen and passed them on to Miller, who then paid off one of the violinists to switch places with him. This was surprisingly easy, as the violinist had significant gambling debts, and Miller simply offered to pay a bit more than the notoriously frugal Baron Ensworth.

  Colin chatted with the guests as the macaw flew overhead, occasionally shouting "hello." He looked at Melissa, and they exchanged knowing smiles, confirming that Mr. Blue Choo was brought inside. After some time, the guests were seated around a huge dining room that resembled a museum more than a dining area. Melissa and Colin were about to sit down when they noticed place cards with names. Colin looked at one of the guests and asked, "Seating arrangements? Dukes never have seating arrangements, do they?"

  "Pray, keep this between ourselves, but ’tis whispered that Her Grace finds herself sadly afflicted with ennui of late, and seeks the company of those with a more diverting disposition. Judging by our present locale, and the considerable distance we maintain from the Duke’s presence, one might be forgiven for suspecting we comprise the most tedious and unwelcome assembly at this very table." He chuckled and sat down.

  "Allow me to assist you in locating your seat," Colin said to Melissa, his tone urgent. He drew her close, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "As we discussed, speak sparingly, and evade any inquiries regarding your history or your appearance. Be as ambiguous as possible, as I shall not be present to divert the conversation."

  Melissa gave a fake smile and mouthed, "I will."

  Smiling and acting cheerful, they searched for her seat. They approached the end of the table where the Dukes and other elites were sitting, and Melissa’s palms began to sweat. This was not good. She wouldn’t be able to gather any gossip about Eleonore Wilde and would have to be very careful with her words, as these people seemed unusually interested in her, as she had learned from Mr. Nyssen.

  They finally found an empty chair right between the Duchess and Mr. Montgomery. Melissa froze for a moment, and Colin bowed to the Duke and Duchess. "Your Graces, thank you for your most gracious invitation! What a truly splendid ball." He offered a wide, forced smile. Turning to Mr. Montgomery, he added, "I have just come from the far end of the table, and there I found your son, seated beside me. It occurs to me that there may have been a slight misunderstanding, and that my fiancée, Miss Missy Bennet’s, place card was inadvertently exchanged with his. I would be happy to arrange for him to be seated at your side."

  Mr. Montgomery grinned. "Precisely so. The Duchess and I are taking her for the evening. We had the most engaging dialogue at your residence, and I aim to see it through." He scanned Melissa, his eyes like those of a predator sizing up its prey.

  Colin opened his mouth to reply, but the Duchess interrupted. "Colin," she drawled, "My dear husband, bless him, finds your… intellectual ramblings stimulating. Me, however? I find myself simply yearning for something a tad more vibrant. You know, real stories. Scandal. And frankly, your fiancée seems far more likely to provide that sort of entertainment. Now, if you could just scurry back to your assigned seat, we could finally get on with dinner. I’m positively famished."

  "Assuredly, Your Grace, I would not presume to delay you," Colin said, and seated Melissa.

  "I am afraid Mr. Montgomery is giving me too much credit, and I am not as interesting as you think." Said Melissa with a kind smile to the Duchess.

  "Oh, really? You dare question my judgment? Mine? Good heavens!" she exclaimed, a delicate hand flying to her perfectly corseted pale chest.

  "She is an upstart, of course she lacks manners, my highness! You must apologize or…" said the Duke’s youngest brother, trying to stay in the Duke’s good graces.

  "You will not insult my guest!" she snapped. "I find her honesty quite… refreshing, with a lack of deception, unlike the majority present at this table."

  "Ah, no, she’d hardly invent a tale. Would you, Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Montgomery asked, his question laced with hidden meaning.

  "Me, lying? I am an open book. How about you, Mr. Montgomery, how often do you lie?" she smiled at him.

  The Duchess erupted in laughter. "Oh, Missy!" she gasped, clutching her side. "You possess the very audacity of Oliver Cromwell! Are you quite certain there’s no drop of British blood in your veins?"

  "Not that I am aware, but I really like it here. Me and Colin are looking for a place to move, as his residence might be getting too small now that we are planning a family," Melissa lied.

  "Darling, you simply must move near," she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "We’re destined to be inseparable! Your unconventional charm will keep me endlessly amused!" The Duchess was clearly thrilled at the prospect of having Melissa at her disposal.

  "I am intrigued, how did the arrangement with your husband-to-be come about? He, I believe, has never departed Britain, and you have only just arrived. Therefore, I struggle to comprehend how you…" The Duchess cut him off.

  "Oh, Colin, yes," she sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Why, Colin? His mother, now she’s a marvel! But he? He’s just like his father, all about books, mathematics, and philosophy. Blah, blah, blah. Just thinking about it gives me a splitting headache. It’s as if he’s utterly allergic to anything remotely… amusing." The Duchess rolled her eyes and made exaggerated snoring sounds.

  "Well, that is what I like about him, he is fascinated with the world and open to new ideas, he finds them in books while you find them in real life, so I think you two are not so different after all. Two sides of one coin," said Melissa.

  "Ah, you’re quite right, darling," she declared with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Everyone knows I possess an extraordinary intellect. I’m practically a walking encyclopedia. Ask me anything!" She then let out a self-satisfied chuckle and added, "Go on, do ask!"

  "Umm, why is the grass green?" Melissa asked, trying to come up with something a clever person in 1825 would know.

  "Heavens, child, what a ludicrous question!" she exclaimed, waving a hand as if swatting away a fly. "Obviously, it’s green, otherwise the cows would become utterly bewildered and starve. And pray tell, how are we to survive without our milk and cheese?" She smirked at Melissa, clearly satisfied with her brilliance."

  "Mrs. Bennet, your thoughts? Or do you believe the Duchess speaks falsely?" The smirk on his face suggested he already knew her answer.

  "Oh, I wholeheartedly agree, even though you might disagree, but Mr. Montgomery, trust us, life without cheese is a life not worth living." Countered Melissa.

  "It is due to you only drinking blood," the Duchess shrieked, her laughter echoing through the room, "you have no comprehension of such… matters, have you? Do you comprehend?" She then pointed a perfectly manicured finger at Mr. Montgomery, laughing hysterically.

  As the Duchess couldn't contain her laughter, servants placed the food on the table and a glass of blood next to the vampire guests.

  "Duchess, did you mean it when you said that you would like us to move close to you so we can be friends?" Inquired Melissa.

  "Naturally!" She exclaimed, a wide, delighted grin spreading across her face. "I have never been this thoroughly entertained! You simply must remain close." She then paused and added. "That dreadful old Eleonore Wilde has finally kicked the bucket! I can assist you in redecorating her mansion. We'll banish that ghastly 'old woman' odor, and you can move right in!" She clapped her hands together, clearly thrilled with her own brilliant idea.

  Melissa was taken aback. If Eleonore had already died, she could no longer talk to her, all she could do is get a hold on any diary or medical journal by her physicians. Desperately she uttered, "That sounds amazing! Yes, of course. I am sort of superstitious when it comes to Eleonore Wilde, I have heard so many tales about her. Some said she was dabbling in the occult and the dark arts. But I also heard that she was in the mental asylum, so it might all have been in her head, but before I talk to an actual medical physician I cannot be sure which case it is. As I am embarrassed to admit, but I would be scared to live in a house that was inhabited by someone who practiced dark magic."

  "I assure you, that's utter nonsense!" she declared. "Eleonore was many things, but a witch? Preposterous! She was merely a foolish old woman, nothing more. A devout Christian, for heaven's sake! And Mr. Joseph Lawry, just ask yourself, cured her delusions. He cured even my husband's cholera. The man is a veritable genius!"

  "I must tell Colin about this Mr. Joseph Lawry, I am sure he would like to have a talk with him, so he could be more like you Duchess, learning from people, not books." Smiled Melissa.

  "Yes! We shall dine at his residence," she announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Missy, I have so much to impart, so much to show you!" She then squeezed Melissa's arm, her grip surprisingly firm.

  Colin excused himself to go to the bathroom. He passed by musicians playing in the main hall, with exotic birds sitting in the palm trees. He clapped for the musicians and whistled. At the same time, one of the macaws dropped dead on the floor. Guests and staff in the dining room couldn't see it, but those who did, knowing how much the Duke loved his birds, panicked.

  "You, with the violin," Colin said, gesturing towards James Miller, "remove that bird to a location where His Grace cannot observe it, lest his evening be spoiled. I shall take your place until your return." Colin pointed at James Miller.

  He stood up, carefully picked up the bird, and rushed out of the hall. He went straight to the kitchen, where the remaining staff looked horrified at the dead bird. James yelled, "Do something! The poor creature's fading! His Grace mustn't witness this!"

  As staff took the bird and ran to the bird room to try and resuscitate it, James quickly whipped out a bag of finely milled silver dust and mixed it into every bottle of blood. He then left and told Colin he could return to the table.

  Colin then ran upstairs to the bird room and, seeing the lifeless bird, told the staff to move away as he wanted to try something. He took a bowl of bird feed and put it near the macaw’s face. The bird miraculously got up and started eating. The staff, relieved, clapped and thanked Colin. He told them he could handle it from there and they should return to the kitchen.

  Once they were alone, Colin opened a window and addressed the bird. "You have served us well, Mr. Blue Choo. Now, fly to the stables and await our coming."

  Back at the table, as the guests finished their meal, the vampires finished their glasses of blood. Mr. Montgomery, receiving a new glass, took a sip and felt an unusual aftertaste. Ignoring it, he kept drinking, as did the rest of the vampires.

  "Mrs. Bennet, you were, shall we say, less than forthcoming about what…" He was unable to finish as he started burping uncontrollably.

  "Mr. Montgomery!" she shrieked, her voice cutting through the room. "Where are your manners? Some of us are attempting to dine!"

  But it wasn’t just him; every vampire at the table started making similar noises, until one began vomiting blood on the table. The disgusted Duchess wanted to scold the guest, but then all the vampires began doing the same. The music was drowned out by the violent vomiting and screams of the elites. Human guests fled, and the vampires writhed on the floor in agony. Colin took Melissa’s hand to leave, but Mr. Montgomery gripped her foot tightly, his words choked out. "It's you! I know it! I will… destroy you!"

  Melissa, checking no one was looking, kicked Mr. Montgomery in the head and ran. Colin, witnessing this, turned to her. "You assured me nothing transpired between the two of you. You have misled me!"

  "I didn’t want to worry you, but it doesn’t matter now. The Duchess told me Eleonore’s physician’s name, so I have what I came here for." She said as they ran down the stairs.

  At the carriage, Mr. Blue Choo and James Miller were waiting.

  "How’d you come to know 'bout silver, lass?" James asked Melissa.

  Colin interrupted. "I informed you that I had read it in the newspaper..." James cut him off. "You’re one of us now, Missy Bennet." He said, jumping down from the carriage into the woods. He tipped his hat and added. "Pleasure doing business, Collin. Now, if you'll excuse me, I’ve got to tell the guards to release the peasants, seeing as no undead will be wanting a feast tonight." He vanished into the night.

  "I know not how he came to this conclusion, but I shall not permit him to involve you in this. I give you my word!" Colin declared, taking Melissa's hand.

  "It’s alright Colin, we have some more pressing matters. Eleonore is dead, so we won't learn anything from her anymore."

  "But you did convey that you possessed knowledge of her physician's identity, did you not?" A note of hope in his voice.

  "Yes, and we are invited to meet him by the Duchess herself!" she raised her eyebrow.

  "I knew you were capable of handling yourself, Missy! You acquitted yourself far better than I ever could have!" He exclaimed with delight.

  "Eh!" she waved her hand dismissively and added. "It’s all thanks to your great planning skills that I even had this opportunity. Thank you, Colin, I owe you big time." She said and kissed his cheek."