Esperanza made her way through the streets of Barovia, staying close to the others. As effective as her blade was against the vampires, it wouldn’t do anything against the mindless dead that lurnched for them now. Decayed flesh and protruding bones proved a great defense against the slim blade. A blunt weapon would have been ideal, but lacking that, all she had was fists and elbows and knees and feet, kicking and punch and striking away at the nearby foes.<br/><br/>They’d be safe once they got to the guest house. She had to believe they’d be safer there, had to believe there was some point to all of this, some point besides ending up a meal for the damned creatures that roamed the city at night. So that determined stayed her fear, drove forward.  At least the arrow Bucren loose drew some of the mob.<br/><br/>There, that was the manor, wasn’t it?  It had to be, because her well of hope was dwindling. No wonder her mother had sent her and her sister far away from this wretched place! And what a fool she’d been to come back, drawn back by dark, indiscernible dreams that hinted at a family. If she survived the night, she’d be a better daughter. Marry as her parents wanted, and uplift her entire family. She wouldn’t rebel any longer, wouldn’t fight their wishes.<br/><br/>If she survived the night.<br/><br/>The manor loomed above, its dark exterior betraying the hope she’d placed upon it. Structurally, it seemed in decent shape, but worn and neglected. Whatever, she certainly couldn’t be picky now. Except…<br/><br/>“Is there some light within?” She asked, voice scarcely a whisper. One of the windows seemed to glow, warm and inviting, but the implications chilled her. “Is there already someone there?”