The first crack of thunder was not a rumble, but an explosion that shook the window panes. Mina sat bolt upright, clutching the blanket to her neck as a flash bleached the room of colour. A second, deeper blast followed, and then the rain began, not as water, but as something solid, like gravel hurled against the glass. Mina sank into her pillows. Here, in the Westenra house, she was warm and safe, shielded from the violence outside.

As the storm raged, a memory of Lucy as a child, terrified of thunder, seized Mina. Her friend’s old fears overrode any thought of her own appearance. Throwing a robe over her nightdress, she crept down the stairs and through the darkened corridors, the wind howling as she prayed she wouldn’t encounter anyone while improperly dressed.

As she slipped into Lucy’s room, the sight that greeted her made her gasp. Her friend was not in bed, but seated at the dressing table, wearing her loveliest nightgown and bed jacket. Instead of cowering from the storm, Lucy brushed her long hair with an oddly focused enthusiasm. A brief, ridiculous thought crossed Mina’s mind: was she preparing for a lover’s visit? Her strange calmness was a relief, but she seemed wrapped up in her own world, utterly unaware of anything else.

Mina greeted her friend and received only an indifferent smile in return. Was she unaware of the storm raging outside? Slightly frustrated, Mina suggested they snuggle up in bed together, as they often had before, especially on stormy nights. However, Lucy appeared not to register the suggestion, returning to her hair and studying her reflection critically in the mirror.

Frustrated by her friend's coldness, Mina turned to the garden doors, a desperate idea forming. Her words had failed to reach Lucy, but perhaps the storm's fury could. The whipping rain and shuddering glass might shock her from this trance. Even if it resulted in terror, a fear they could share would be better than this unnerving distance. Taking a determined breath, Mina seized the heavy velvet and pulled it aside, ready to view the chaos outside.

Mina's eyes strained, but the darkness was impenetrable. The window glass rattled in its frame, and she worried it might shatter under the assault. Beyond the groaning of the trees, a low boom carried on the wind, a warning shot from a lighthouse or ship. She pictured the sailors caught in the gale, fighting the unbelievable conditions, and felt a pang of sympathy for their struggle.

Then a flash of lightning burned an image onto her retina: the garden, the swaying trees, the racing clouds and a man! Her breath caught. It was impossible, a trick of the light. But the impression lingered: a tall, lean figure, unbending against the storm’s fury, standing inside the Westenras’ garden walls. The thought of him being a servant seemed absurd. She remained frozen, staring into the darkness, her mind racing as she waited for another flash to confirm what she had seen.

But the darkness was thick and unyielding once more.

Suddenly, a man's face appeared at the window, and Mina let out a small cry of surprise and stepped back. She turned to her friend Lucy, who had also risen from her seat. Curiously, Lucy stood calmly beside Mina, without reacting. The man outside seemed strangely unaffected by the storm. His thick black moustache and hair were entirely, impossibly dry. His piercing dark eyes held them both for a moment before he gave them a small, almost imperceptible smile, his eyes remaining cold. His pointed ears and sharp features gave him an almost otherworldly look that a corner of her mind refused to ignore.

The man spoke, and impossibly, his voice cut through the storm's roar and the thick glass as if he were in the room. 

"Let me in," he said, his accent strange and melodic. Both women hesitated; inviting an unchaperoned stranger into their bedchamber was unthinkable. Yet Mina felt an inexorable pull toward this man.

"He's out there in this horrendous weather," she said firmly to Lucy. "We must offer him shelter." As though sensing her determination, the man relaxed slightly, as if aware he would get his own way.

She felt a strange disconnect, as if watching someone else's hands reach for the lock. Her body moved with a purpose that was not her own, her fingers turning the key despite the silent scream in her mind.

"Oh, Mina, should we?" said Lucy. "I am afraid!"

But Mina kept opening the door, ignoring her friend's protests. Both women braced for wind and rain as the man pushed the doors, but nothing came. The storm seemed to pause as Mina invited him in; he entered, shut the door, and locked it again. Mina watched, fascinated, as the storm seemed to melt away. The man turned to the two women. Mina suddenly felt fear and stepped back. What have I done? She thought.

Lucy was right beside her now, reaching out to take Mina's hand. The man seemed amused as he bowed to them both. His voice was smooth and velvety, with a strong Eastern European accent that, after a lifetime in England, sounded strange to both women's ears.

"Count Dracula at your service," he said, bowing low. The name slammed into Mina. Jonathan's Dracula? Here? The man was tall and elegant, his black suit darker than any fabric she had ever seen. His pale skin seemed to glow, intensifying the demonic cast of his sharp features and red-tinged eyes. It had to be him. But what was he doing here? Was Jonathan with him? The questions swirled, but coherent thought was impossible under his intense stare.

Mina gripped Lucy's hand tightly as they stood frozen in shock and confusion. Mina started to speak, but the Count raised a slender hand, its pointed nails making her gasp. Her mind went blank, and the unease returned. Lucy beside her seemed to be in her own trance, though she still held Mina's hand tightly. The Count's voice remained low and smooth, impossible to ignore, as he whispered his admiration.

"Very nice," he murmured to himself, strolling around the two women who stood still under his gaze. "Very nice. I do like the way you English women look after yourselves. Such beauty and poise I have rarely seen."

Mina felt his eyes travel over her body, and she couldn’t help but enjoy his approval. He likes me more than her, she thought. It sent a startling, unwelcome thrill through her body. She hated the feeling, the sudden, sharp excitement at being chosen over Lucy. Lucy, who was always, so effortlessly, the one men desired. She had mesmerising eyes and porcelain skin, not to mention wealth and status. It had never bothered her before, or so she’d always told herself. But under the Count’s gaze, every insecurity she’d ever buried rose to the surface, sharp and undeniable.

"You may close the curtains and lock the other door,” Dracula said suddenly.

His dark eyes gleamed in the room’s dim light, fixed on Mina. Lucy sighed and let go of her friend's hand. Without conscious thought, Mina obeyed. Her hands felt clumsy as she drew the heavy curtains, shutting out the now calm weather. The click of the bedroom door lock sounded unnaturally loud. She returned to Lucy’s side, each step feeling like a move toward an inevitable fate. 

There was no other help coming. The house slept on peacefully, unaware of what was happening in Lucy's room. Why had she let him in? Mina knew there was no use trying to escape; for now, they were at his mercy. When he asked if they would be disturbed before daylight, Mina shook her head, and he grinned darkly.

"You are sure?" he pressed, savouring their predicament. Mina nodded again, unable to meet his gaze. Something moved through her at his next words, half dread, half something else entirely.

"Excellent. Excellent. I have waited so long for this moment. You two prove that all my planning and effort have been worth it. Now let's see a little more as a reward for all my efforts. You may remove your robe!" Dracula said this only to Mina. As he spoke, he reached forward and, using a long, sharp nail, he raised her head so she looked directly at him. “Now, if you please," he added with a smirk.

Mina's heart pounded. The command to please him warred with the certainty that this was wrong, a confusing storm of fear and excitement. She hadn't consciously decided to act, but she watched her own trembling hand reach for the bow at her waist and slowly pull the tie open. She stole a glance at Lucy, but her friend's expression was unreadable. Was this a test? Would compliance earn his favour? The thought was shameful, yet she still hoped.

The robe slipped slowly from Mina's shoulders and fell to her feet. She felt vulnerable, unable to act. She stood still, exposed and uncertain, feeling Dracula's gaze so keenly it felt like a physical touch. The walls pressed in as if the very air had thickened, the heavy velvet curtains swallowing all sound until the only sound she heard was the frantic hammering of her own heart.

Dracula smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval as he now circled her.

"Very nice," he purred from behind her, his approval both exciting and terrifying Mina. "You are beautiful, my dear." He held out his hand and helped her to step out of the robe, moving close to her and stroking the top of her bare arms with his hands.

"Sssshhhhhhh, no noise," Dracula said, placing a finger gently on Mina's lips. "We must not be disturbed." He reached down and undid the tiny bow which held the top of her nightdress together.

Her mind pulled in opposite directions. Every delicate touch of his fingers as he undressed her sent a tremor through her that was equal parts fear and something else she dared not name. She wanted to fight, to scream, to break his consuming stare, yet she remained perfectly still. It was as if her will had split in two: one part knew this was wrong, and the other desperately wanted to please him.

As Dracula's fingers worked methodically to undo the buttons of her nightdress, Mina held her breath and waited. She stole a glance at Lucy, who still stood at her side, unmoving. She had not moved or spoken the whole time. An image of Jonathan’s trusting face flashed in her mind, and a pang of guilt, sharp as a blade, pierced through the haze of her submission. This was a betrayal, yet her body remained frozen, unwilling to protest. The nightdress slipped easily off her shoulders, leaving her clad only in a thin chemise.

"You truly are exquisite," Dracula murmured, his eyes now roaming over her body. Mina felt his desire and delight. It was unbelievably thrilling. In a sudden burst, Dracula grabbed the delicate chemise she wore and tore it open, casting it aside without hesitation. A sharp gasp escaped her as Mina now stood completely naked before him. Her hands instinctively moved to cover herself, but with a simple wave, Dracula instructed her not to. Mina's arms fell loosely to her sides. She stood there, vulnerable and exposed, unable to do anything other than watch and wait. Mina saw Dracula close his eyes, and she could sense his delight.

You, English women, really are exceptional!" he chuckled, savouring every moment. "I can feel your will trying to resist and yet taste your desire for me. It is a delightful mix...quite delightful." Dracula spoke and then opened his arms to Mina.

“Come to me," his voice was slick and seductive, pulling her in. "You are promised to another, but he doesn’t appreciate what you could be. I can. You will be my first, my guide in this strange land. You will help me choose others, and you will share in pleasures your Mr Harker could never imagine. You will be more than a wife. You will be my queen." Mina found the mix of lust and power so enticing even though the forbidden promise of power and pleasure was so wrong.

For a moment she worried about Johnathan. It was now clear to her that this was the Count Dracula. However, her brain was too overwhelmed to worry or ask about her fiancé. Dracula's words burned into her brain, leaving her exhilarated and guilty at once. She felt exhilarated at the thought of being his chosen one, of possessing power beyond her imagination. The idea of being allowed at Dracula's side, helping him in his designs, sent a thrill through her that she couldn't deny.

Thoughts of Jonathan and the life they'd planned tugged at her, a painful counterpoint to Dracula's seductive pull. She stood before him, naked and vulnerable, her hands trembling. Then, with a glint of determination in her eyes, she chose. She stepped forward into his cold embrace and surrendered.

"I am yours, master," Mina whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I am your devoted servant; use me as you see fit. Master, you will conquer all who stand in your way, and I will help you always."

But Dracula only snarled, his lips pulling back to reveal sharp fangs. The raw fury shattered his control, and for an instant, Mina was free. Reality hit her hard, and she recoiled as raw fear replaced the strange desire. Lucy, as if released from the same spell, collapsed onto the mattress, her eyes wide with terror. In an instant, the reason for Dracula's rage became clear.

"Lucy dear, are you okay?" came a voice from outside the bedroom door. The handle began to turn, and Mina's eyes snapped up to meet Dracula's intense gaze. She felt only rage radiating from him, a force so great it stole her breath. Instantly, he brought her back under his control. What had once felt like a thrilling connection now felt like only wrath. He was furious with her, and all Mina could think about was how to make things right. With deep urgency, she closed her eyes and tried to come up with a plan as the woman called out again. Be quiet, be quiet, she begged Mrs Westenra silently. Go away; you will ruin everything.

"Lucy dear, are you okay?" It was Lucy's mother outside, trying to enter the room. "My dear, the door won't open. Is it locked?" The older woman's voice had changed; it was now suspicious and wary. Mina sensed that if she didn't act quickly, Lucy would surely call out for her mother. Or worse, her mother would go and get assistance.

"Deal with her, or I will," Dracula snarled, his grip tightening on Mina's arm. She felt him exert his full power, but over Lucy, not her, and a wave of jealousy hit Mina. With a resigned nod, Mina quickly wrapped her robe around her to cover her nakedness and moved towards the door as swiftly as possible. She knew she had to do something to get Mrs Westenra to leave, and fast. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving Dracula and Lucy alone, especially now that he saw her as a failure. An idea formed: she unlocked the door just enough to slip into the hallway, blocking the older woman from pushing past her.

She would find a way to get her back to bed, then return to Dracula as fast as possible. She dreaded what might happen if she left him alone with Lucy for too long. This was not for Lucy's sake, but because she feared losing Dracula's focus permanently. The thought made her shudder with fear and longing as she put an arm around the old lady and, ignoring her protests, led her as swiftly as possible back down the hallway. I must get back to Lucy, she repeated to Mrs Westenra, but she meant the Count.

Mina's heart pounded as she reentered Lucy's room. She had hoped for a peaceful scene, and indeed she found Dracula and Lucy sitting on the sofa. Lucy seemed lost in thought, while Dracula appeared to be waiting for Mina's return.

Relief washed over her briefly, but confusion and fear quickly replaced it. Dracula's mind was closed to Mina. What did he want from her? Should she remove her robe again, or wait for a command? As she stood uncertainly before him, she could sense only that the Count was ignoring her. Mina tried to apologise quietly for failing to keep Mrs Westenra away. But the Count laughed and spoke of punishing those that betray him. Now his eyes were fixed on Lucy and hers on him.

Mina felt crushed when Dracula commanded her to sit by the door and watch him take Lucy, as he had promised he would take her. A small part of Mina couldn't help but feel relief that she wasn't the one being claimed, but jealousy and anger won out; she felt Lucy had won. Yet again, she thought bitterly.

Lucy's tinkling laughter filled the room as Dracula twirled her around, his hand firm yet gentle on her waist. She had discarded the bed jacket, and in its place was a short, low-cut nightdress that clung to her curves like a second skin. It was the latest fashion, a stark contrast to Mina's more dated attire. As Lucy stood still at Dracula's request, her mischievous gaze flickered over to Mina, who sat by the doorway with a clenched hand, sensing her friend's amusement. But Lucy's attention snapped back to Dracula as he commanded her to raise her hands. Without hesitation, she complied, and Dracula deftly lifted her nightdress over her head, leaving her standing naked except for a pair of panties. Mina couldn't help but admire her friend's voluptuous figure, envying the size of her breasts compared to her own. Her heart sank as Dracula seemed to feel the same way, his hands cupping and moulding Lucy's flesh. The admiration he'd felt earlier for Mina's beauty now seemed to transfer to Lucy.

"I assume I am the first to touch you like this?" he said to Lucy. "To enjoy your innocence and beauty?" Mina watched her friend, searching for any sign of resistance. But there was none. Lucy’s wide eyes were fixed on Dracula, her lips parted, the fear in her face inseparable from a rapt attention that made Mina’s stomach clench. Whatever conflict Lucy felt between her duty to her future husband and the man before her, the outcome seemed decided.

"I am untouched, Master," she finally managed.

"Your breasts are exquisite," Dracula whispered, his cool hands sliding under Lucy's bust and lifting them slightly as if weighing their perfection. He turned her slowly so that she faced Mina with him standing behind her. "Ssssshhhhhhhh," he breathed into Lucy's ear, his fingers tracing patterns over her skin as he taunted Mina by caressing her friend. Lucy tilted her head, a small sound leaving her lips as Dracula's lips trailed down her cheek and neck. One of his hands slipped inside her panties, and she couldn't help but let out a low moan of pleasure. "Do you desire my touch?" Dracula asked, teasingly.

"Yes, master," Lucy replied, her moans growing louder as his skilled fingers worked on her core while his other hand cupped and caressed her breasts. His lips claimed hers once again as he turned her back towards him.

He reached out and gently took her hand, guiding it to the solid, large bulge between his legs. Lucy gasped, her eyes widening. She felt the weight and outline of his arousal. Her fingers traced its length, marvelling at its size and power.

Mina closed her eyes, feeling Dracula's rejection press down on her like a weight. She knew she was being punished, and she could do nothing about it. With a deep breath, she felt Dracula commanding her to go. As she reluctantly made her way outside, dread and unease settled in her stomach like a stone she couldn't dislodge. She was now to guard the door, forbidden to enter or watch as Dracula and Lucy indulged their desires.

Mina sighed and glanced at Lucy, seeing only a look of pure enchantment on her face as she continued to stroke her master's groin. With a heavy heart, Mina unlocked the door and stepped outside, knowing she must not let Dracula down again if she hoped to regain his attention. Her mind groaned under the weight of this knowledge, knowing Dracula and Lucy would soon be lost in each other's embrace.

Mina pressed her ear to the door, desperate to hear what was happening inside. She heard the rustle of fabric, Lucy's sharp intake of breath, and the Count's low, pleased murmur. Each sound painted a vivid, torturous picture in her mind: his hands on Lucy, their bodies pressing close. She imagined Lucy's confusion turning to desire,  as she eagerly gave her innocence to the Count. 

A sudden, louder gasp from Lucy made Mina flinch away from the wood, her own imagination a worse torment than any sight.

"That's right," said Dracula, "how does that feel?" He put his fingers to his lips and wetted them.

"It feels nice, master," Lucy said. “I only want to please you."

These pleasures," the Count murmured, slipping his hands into her panties, "are what those ignorant and superstitious fools try to deny you. I will deny you nothing."

Mina heard his low command, "Come." A kiss followed, then a rustle of movement and Lucy's sharp, surprised gasp. "Take it," he whispered, his voice a low growl that vibrated through the wood. A long silence followed, filled only by the sound of her own breathing. Then, she heard a soft moan from the Count, a sound of pure pleasure that made her stomach clench with a jealousy so sharp it stole her breath. Another sound followed, a wet, rhythmic noise that her mind refused to identify, but her body understood perfectly.

Mina stood guard, her body rigid. The sounds from within were muffled but unmistakable. Not words, but sharp gasps that could only be Lucy, punctuated by the Count's low growls. Each noise was a fresh stab of envy, a burning reminder of her own failure and desire. She leaned her forehead against the door’s cool wood.

"Master," she whispered, the name a bitter taste in her mouth.

Lucy's delighted and passionate cries grew louder, more confident, less hesitant. Mina squeezed her eyes shut, but the images still flooded her mind. She pictured the Count, his jacket and shirt discarded, looming over her friend. She heard his voice, a low growl that vibrated through the door.

“That's right, take it deeper into your mouth,” was said, followed by a muffled choking sound from Lucy. Nausea and bitter jealousy seized Mina at once. He was praising Lucy now, the tone soft, approving. The sound of his pleasure was a physical blow, and Mina had to press a hand to her mouth to keep from crying out.

From the hallway, Mina felt her Master's command, calling her back, which brought her some hope. His order pulled her forward. She entered the candlelit room, eager and afraid. Her eyes took in the scene: Dracula sat on the sofa while Lucy, on all fours beside him, stroked his massive cock. Lucy looked over and smiled at her.

Mina whispered, "Yes, Master?” A mix of hope, desire and unease warred within her. She knew she should be horrified by Lucy's actions, but all she wanted was to be in her place.

"Come," Dracula said, and he made Mina sit beside him and placed her hands on his cock. He showed her how to stroke him and commanded her to continue. Mina's delight was short-lived as he turned his full attention back to Lucy. His finger began to probe at her asshole, and his thumb stroked her pussy.

"Is that good, little one?" he asked.

"Yes, master," Lucy said, her voice quiet and distant. Mina continued to stroke his cock, transfixed. As his finger probed Lucy deeper, she watched her friend's body respond with a sharp, sickening pang. “It should have been me.” The thought was a venomous whisper. Then Dracula ordered her to the floor. He took one of her hands, placing it on Lucy's wet slit, guiding her fingers. Her other hand was returned to his cock. Humiliation burned through her; she reluctantly served them both, pleasuring her master and her friend simultaneously.

"Harder, Mina," Lucy said. The command, coming from her friend, sent a hot spike of resentment through Mina.

"Do it harder, Mina, as Lucy commands you," Dracula chuckled. "See how my will makes her feisty!" Feeling his displeasure at her hesitation, Mina redoubled her efforts. She worked them both harder, the slurping sounds from Lucy's pussy audible over her moans.

"That's better, Mina," Lucy whispered. "Prepare me properly. Our master wishes me to be wet and ready for him." Although she didn’t want praise or encouragement from her friend, at least it kept Dracula from being displeased. Dracula moved position, pushing Mina away. She fell back onto her knees, excluded once more and forced to spectate. Lucy's hand went to her pussy, and she began to circle it with her own hand. Dracula, meanwhile, was finger fucking her ass hard.

“Oh, Master," Lucy suddenly gasped, her voice filled with a mix of shock and pleasure.

Her body trembled uncontrollably as pleasure crashed through her, so intense she had never experienced anything like it before. She knew she was completely at his mercy, but she wanted him so badly. As the overwhelming feelings slowly ebbed away, Lucy was left breathless and bewildered. She turned to her master, eyes wide with confusion and desire. Her heart raced, and she struggled to make sense of what was happening. Guilt followed, too, at the pleasure she had felt, unsure what it meant or whether she should have allowed herself to revel in it.

But another part of her couldn't deny the moment’s sheer intensity, the way Dracula had awakened something deep within her she never knew existed.

Mina watched on, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. She recognised the conflict playing out in Lucy’s eyes, the pull between guilt and desire, for Mina had felt the same earlier, though that now felt like a long time ago. Mina hoped Lucy was satisfied and that Dracula was ready to turn his attention to her, but she immediately saw that wasn’t the case.

As Lucy struggled to make sense of what had just transpired, Dracula reached down and lifted her into his arms.

"Now you will become truly mine," he said, carrying her to the bed and dropping her onto it. Lucy ran her hands over her master's bare chest as he lowered himself over her.

"Master," Lucy whispered, her eyes fixed on Dracula's face.  He smiled as he kissed her breasts, pushing her backwards onto the mattress. He settled himself between Lucy's legs and guided his cock against her entrance. He began to wipe it up and down the length of her pussy.

A low, wanton groan escaped Lucy’s lips as her hips lifted of their own accord, seeking the slick, deliberate pressure of him against her. Every nerve thrummed with the certainty of what came next. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Above her, Dracula’s gaze was black and bottomless, fixed on her with such hunger.

”Ready for me, little one?” He whispered.

"Yes, master," Lucy whispered back, her voice ragged with desire. "Take me."

With that, Dracula slipped inside her, filling her with his rock-hard cock. Lucy cried out, her body arching off the bed as the pleasure washed over her. She raised her arms so they rested on his shoulders, lifting her legs at the same time to accept his cock as it buried itself inside her. Dracula began to move, his hips thrusting in and out of her with a steady rhythm. His eyes fixed on Lucy.

Dracula lowered his mouth to hers, capturing her gasp in a deep kiss.

Mina watched from the corner, a hot, useless desire coiling in her own belly. Watching them, as their bodies moved together, was torment. She wanted to be the one in his arms, to feel his touch, his passion. To be the one he claimed. But for now, she was only permitted to watch.

Lucy began to gasp with pleasure. Mina was fascinated by how Dracula seemed to be studying Lucy, accepting her kisses but always returning his gaze to his victim's face. Mina could not feel his presence at all. His whole mind seemed bent on Lucy.

He tried a brief kiss and then a much fuller one before he slid his head down onto her neck. For a moment, Lucy let out a little cry, and her whole body tensed, but then her hand raised and she pushed Dracula's head into her.

"Yes, master," Lucy gasped, "take what you need. Let me nourish you." Mina saw Lucy’s body tremble under his control. Dracula’s thrusts became more forceful, driving deep into her with a primal hunger. As he drank, Lucy's moans changed; the sounds of pleasure sharpened by what was happening. From the corner, Mina saw Lucy surrendering herself completely, offering her life essence as their bodies moved together, urgent and unrelenting."

With a swift movement, Dracula lifted his head and gazed down at Lucy, intense hunger in his eyes. But instead of lying still before him, subdued by his will, Lucy suddenly seemed desperate, her body writhing with a frantic need for more from her master. She pushed his head back onto her neck and wrapped her legs around him, trying to drive his erection deeper into her.

The Count's hand came down onto the top of her head, stilling her movements as he held her in place. A look of fascination flashed across his face before he once again sank his fangs into her soft flesh, draining more of her life force with a long, powerful suck.

Each of Dracula's thrusts drove her closer to a precipice. The pleasure built into a sharp, piercing point, and she cried out, her nails digging into his back. The release shattered through her, a tremor that started deep inside and shook her entire frame. Through the haze, she felt Dracula take one last drink of her blood before his movements slowed, allowing her to gasp for breath.

Lucy gazed at him with a hazy, enraptured expression as they shared a deep kiss. 

"I am yours, and yours alone, my master," Lucy whispered breathlessly between kisses. Lucy seemed to melt, becoming more deeply entwined with the dark, alluring creature before her.

Dracula rose, and Mina gasped as her connection to the Count was immediately re-established.

"I will return for you both soon. Be ready." His gaze held Mina's for a moment, a silent promise and a threat. Behind him, the garden doors opened of their own accord, and he was gone into the night. Mina rushed to close them, her hands pressing the latch into place, her mind already racing with how to be ready for his return.