Stepping inside the room, Nikolai had expected to find a crumpled pile of human flesh, bruised and bleeding.  Instead, he was confronted by an angry young woman -- who not only lacked a clear understanding of her position, but also appeared to be perfectly healthy.  A small frown creased Nikolai’s lips.  If Sebastian had gotten him out of bed in the middle of the night just so he could perform a preliminary medical exam, he was going to charge the bastard double his normal rate.<br/><br/>However, as Nikolai listened to the young woman’s words, sadness replaced the annoyance on his face.  “I am afraid you will never be seeing your home again,” he informed -- not a threat or a promise, just a simple statement of fact.  Many people might consider it mean to to be so blunt.  But Nikolai’s experience had taught him that, in the long run, false hope was usually more cruel than brutal truth.  The sooner the young lady accepted her situation, the better.  “You will remain here until Sebastian tires of you.  Then, if you are very lucky, he will give you a quick death.”<br/><br/>Carefully, Nikolai closed the door behind himself.  He wasn’t worried about the young lady escaping -- his vampiric nature made him faster and stronger than her.  And even if she did somehow get past him, where would she go?  Sebastian’s guards would hunt her down like prey before she ever made it off the estate.<br/><br/>“My name is Nikolai Tosya.  I am a doctor.  And I am also a vampire.”  Walking over to the bed, Nikolai placed his medical bag on its mattress.  Then he opened it up and began rummaging through the contents.  But even when he wasn’t looking directly at the young lady, he was listening to her breath and the sound of her feet against the floor -- if she made any move toward the door, he would know it in an instant.  “I tell you my name so that we may be more comfortable with each other.  I tell you my profession so that you will understand why I am here.  And I tell you my nature so that you will not be trying anything stupid.”<br/><br/>For a moment, Nikolai returned his gaze to the young woman.  She clearly possessed spirit and bravery, which was admirable.  But now that he knew the situation wasn’t urgent, he just wanted to get the examination over with and return to his bed.  “Please do not be trying anything stupid.  I have only had one drink so far, and that is not nearly enough to put me in the mood for any -- how do you say?  Shenanigans?"