Making her way to a small knot of gossiping older women, she heard small segments of whispers – “Just gone,” said one woman, “Nothing but an empty pallet and open window,” said another. The young woman’s fears were growing.

“What happened last night for such a gathering to be held at this time?” She questioned the women. When they looked at her, a sharp intake of breath resounded from each of them.

“A young woman not much older than yourself was stolen away last night,” a woman to her right, dressed in the bleak ragged clothes most could only afford.

“I suspect that vampir. He took her, I’m sure of it,” the young woman was growing steadily paler as the other women contributed.

“You must be weary dear, for you are of a far more superior beauty to that young lady and much more pure. Too fair for your own good,” the young woman swallowed nervously, taking her leave and continuing toward the apothecary.