"Good evening," Dracula said as he stepped through the door. He could see the power collecting in her hands, but chose to ignore it.

"What did you do to the children?" she demanded.

"I only put them to sleep," he replied. "I did not wish to frighten them."

Edea narrowed her eyes at the intruder. "I wouldn't allow them to be hurt."

"Of course," he strode up to her too quickly for her to follow his movements. In a moment he was in front of her, his arm around her waist, and Edea could only try to pull away. He smelled like dirt and time. It was overwhelming. He held her tightly.