Chapter 3: True Love Concurs All
The next morning Kirsten awoke alone in the bed and started to wonder if the previous night was a figment of her imagination. She started to push herself up from the bed, which caused her body to ache and she immediately knew that last night really happened.
"Good morning my dear," a voice said from across the room, "I hope you enjoyed my gift last night?" It was Richard who leaned against a wall at the far end of the room. As her eyes adjusted to the sunlight streaming through the window, she noticed that Shaun was sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace. Kirsten looked down and saw that she was wearing a beautiful white night dress which made her feel more comfortable to get out of bed.
"Good day Richard. Back so soon from your trip?" she said while making her way to the window.
"You do not seem pleased my dear. Has Shaun already stolen your affection from me?" Richard said while looking sternly at Shaun. "Truth be told, I did not leave last night as the storm outside was too harsh, therefore my journey will be postponed."
"Oh" Kirsten said, not paying Richard much attention.
"Oh? You appear to be unhappy my dear?" he said with real concern in his voice. Richard pushed himself from the wall and walked over to Kirsten, but when he tried to kiss her on the cheek, she stepped back, which upset Richard. "What's wrong Kirsten?"
"Can we speak in private please Richard?"
"Anything you wish my dear." He turned around and motioned her to follow him. They left the room and walked down the hall and up a flight of stairs. They entered the first door on left, which lead into a huge library. The walls were cover in books and had an enormous chandelier hanging from the roof. Richard guided her to a large sofa in the corner. "What is troubling you my dear?"
"Richard, I have so many questions."
"And I'll answer as many as possible."
"What did you mean when you said that you have been waiting for me? I don't even know who you are?"
"Ah, I guess it was wrong of me not to explain first, but it is difficult to put it in words." He sat next to her, staring at his hands as he spoke.
"Please try. I think you owe me that." He sighed, "My name is Richard Blake, and..." he stopped.
"What Richard?" Kirsten asked, moving closer and placing her hand on his shoulder, which made him immediately look into her eyes. He seemed scared.
"Kirsten, I'm not human. I used to be long, long ago..."
"What do you mean Richard?" she said before she removed her hand from his grasp.
"I'm older than anyone or anything you can think of. You and I once shared a life together, before..."
"Before what?"
"You died. You were attacked by a group of rogue werewolves. I tried to save you, but I was too late. I didn't know Emily back then, but if I did, I would have never lost you."
"I... I don't understand?" Kirsten stood up and walked to the burning fireplace.
"Kirsten, I'm a vampire." She turned around in one quick motion, only to find him already standing behind her. She was shocked, because her parents always told her about vampires and how dangerous, but rare, they are. But somehow Richard made her feel safe. He took her hand and held it against his chest. "You and I were young lovers, and during the ceremony..."
"What ceremony?"
"I was about to turn you into one of us, but the doors burst open and a group of werewolves burst in. The attacked all of us, killing all my guards... and you." She saw a tear rolling down his cheek.
