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Trembling, I rubbed my hand over my throat. It was painful to the touch. “I must do something. This was the most powerful he has ever been when attacking me. Ignatius told me he was afraid that Vlad was finding a way to feed from me. I believe he is right. I must find a way to stop Vlad from taking any more of my power. Should he rise. . . ”

Magda pulled at her dark black hair and wound it around her fingers nervously. Her expression was tormented and tears slid over her cheeks. “We must do something, Adem. I cannot bear it if he rises. ”

“I agree. We must stop whatever he is doing to the countess. ” Adem’s strong, rough hand smoothed my hair back from my face. “Countess, you must heal yourself. ”

“Feed from me,” Magda offered.

“Only a few sips. ” I bent my head over her wrist and bit into her willing flesh.

Adem stroked my hair as I fed. It was a soothing sensation. I felt loved and cared for as Magda’s sweet blood renewed me and healed my bruised throat. Licking her wound then my lips, I sat back and peered into the gloom of my room. Vlad did not dwell in the shadows, but I feared he would return.

Suddenly, I remembered something Laura had said. “Maria regularly consults with a fortuneteller! Laura says she is quite impressive. Sir Stephan does not like that his wife brings her into their home, but indulges her. Ever since Laura’s younger brother died, Maria tries to speak to him from beyond the grave. ”

“Excellent!” Adem pressed me into Magda’s arms and stood swiftly. “I will go there immediately and have them summon the fortuneteller to their home. I do not want the gypsies coming here. Gypsies sometimes serve the undead, but oftentimes they hunt them. ”

“Agreed! Please arrange for a consultation tonight. If I do not act soon, I fear what Vlad may be capable of!”

Adem nodded briskly, then turned and strode out of the room.

Magda helped me to my feet and led me over to the bed. My cosmetics smeared the floor and the room still smelled of powder.

“Are you and Adem at peace?” I dared.

“We are hoping to find it soon,” she replied. She fussed with the paper twists in my hair and wiped the powder from my face with the edge of her robe.

“Magda, if his wife no longer loves him, does it really matter if he takes you as a lover?”

My maid smiled ruefully and rubbed my cheek a little harder. “He is a man of honor. I have no doubt that he loves me, but he still honors her. ”

“Have you seen her?”

“Yes. I did not know who she was then. She is beautiful. But she is also cruel. When I saw her she was in the arms of another man and did not care that Adem was in her presence. ”

“The corruption of the haven,” I murmured.

“Yes. ” Magda finished cleaning my face and tucked my hair back from my neck. I could see her relief that I was healed. “I thought he would tear your head from your shoulders. ”

“As did I. ”

“I am sorry I hurt you with my rosary. I shall take it from the room. ”

“Why did you bring it?” It wounded me to think she was afraid of me and kept it for protection.

“Now that I am no longer bound to Vlad, I have returned to my church. I carry it with me to pray. I always make sure to keep it from your sight. ” She paused and her dark eyes regarded me with worry. “Do you wish for me to no longer attend?”

“No, no!” I shook my head adamantly. “Please, continue. Pray for me. Perhaps God will hear your prayers on my behalf. ”

Smiling slightly, she touched my hands. “I will. I promise. Should I stay with you?”

“Could you?” I yawned as I fell back on my bed. “I must sleep. The sun makes me so very drowsy. ”

“I will. If he returns, I will use the rosary upon him again. ” Her dark eyes flashed with defiance. “He will not touch you. ”

“Thank you, dearest Magda,” I whispered as I closed my eyes.

Vlad did not return.

Later-