I walk into the ballroom and look around, spotting Evelyn.

“Good morning, mother.” I smile, walking over and hugging her.

As her arms wrap around me she smiles. “Good morning Guinevere. I just love to hear you call me that. I cannot wait until the wedding.”

“Me either,” I say, pulling away,” Only four more days!”

“Yes…” She trails off, her eyes watching something behind me. “Daughter dear, why don’t you go grab me some blood from the kitchen.”

“Yes, mother.” I reply, turning.

Victor walks towards us. He smiles as he sees me and nods. He’s been very reserved since I’ve woken up. He says it’s because he loves me so much he has to be careful or we’ll consummate our marriage before the ceremony. I blush at the thought and look away, walking off towards the kitchen. I can see why I fell in love with him to begin with. He’s such a gentleman. I grab the blood from the fridge and turn to head back towards Victor and Evelyn when I pause, overhearing their words.

“Yes mother, I’ve given her more than enough of it. She sucks the stuff down without even knowing what I’m giving her. I have her completely enthralled.” Victor says, sounding slightly angry.

Evelyn mutters something and Victor replies, “I don’t know where he escaped to. He’s not in this town any longer. No, she’s never asked about him. I’ve never even included him in the stories I’ve been making up of our past.”

More mutters from Evelyn before, “Of course mother. When the time comes she’ll do whatever I ask of her, including that.”

Confusion and anger begin to well up within me. More than enough of what? How am I enthralled? Who should I be asking about? In the depths of my mind something stirs like an angry animal wanting to be released. It screams and beats against the barrier that I don’t believe is my own doing. I drop the bags and grab my head as it feels like it’s going to split open.

Before I know it, Victor’s face appears in my vision and he’s staring into my eyes.

“Calm yourself darling.” He whispers, pulling me to a couch nearby.

I can hear the memories that rage behind the barrier yearning for release. “No,” I gasp, fighting this feeling of losing them again, “No…tell me…the truth.” My mind latches onto ‘him’. “Who is he?”

Victor’s eyes turn cold before he calms himself, keeping my gaze. “Guinevere. Look into my eyes. There is no him. What you heard wasn’t real. You woke with a start this morning, complaining of a nightmare. You must have been remembering that dream.” He pauses, making sure he’s got my full gaze. “It was just a dream.” He repeats.

Slowly the memories dissipate and I look around, confused. “Victor…” I whisper, grabbing for him, afraid.

“Shhh, it’s okay.” He soothes me, pulling me to him. “You had another episode. It’s okay now.”

I sigh and bury my head against his chest. I had an episode, but it’s over now. Those are always so frightening.

“I was remembering a dream from earlier.” I tell him.

He pulls away to stroke my cheek. “I know darling, you told me about it.” He kisses my softly and steps away. “I have business to attend to. I’ll leave you and mother to finalize the wedding details.”

As he leaves Evelyn smiles at me. “Come, let us go pick up your dress.”