The Dark Of The Night

An ominous wind blew through the land one pitch black night, where the moon was not shining and the clouds in the sky were thick and steely. The light of the stars could not illuminate the darkness of the land and bring it some sort of respite to the overbearing blackness that was this night.

However, it was on nights like these that one Dream Vampire was most active.

Coming from the Dream World of the Veritas to a different world -- where he often invaded the dreams of others -- the Dream Vampire, as a thick mist in the forest, searched for anyone that might be wandering around nearby to put to sleep and enter their dreams.

As the young lady dwindled in consciousness, the thick mist of the forest entered the cave, our Dream Vampire having found his latest host for his feast. The mist, itself, was enough to put anyone to sleep, and the thickness of it made it unlikely that it wouldn't be breathed in just from being within its presence. It only took a single breath for one to slip into the depths of unconsciousness... And that is where the Dream Vampire would strike.

The Dream Vampire observed the dream of Annabella with concern, seeing that it was no dream at all, but a night terror. Witnessing what the night terror was about, the Dream Vampire became troubled by the woes of this poor girl and decided that he would do something about her situation by making her nightmare into a dream, then make that dream into a reality, as was his power to do.

In the nightmare, when Annabella was alone, she would be greeted by a ragged looking spirit whose body looked like a tattered cloak with a worn hood on it. The wraith was arched over, bearing four eyes which gleamed in the shadow of the hood. "Good evening..." the wraith said to the girl, "... I see that you are troubled. Whatever for, child?"

The spirit laughed ominously, slowly, and creepily. "You may call me... Vedour. I am a wandering spirit that serves a very powerful, very great entity..." The room grew dark and shadowy, a mystical outline appearing on a wall and from the neck down, what looked like a cape could be seen flowing from it and around every corner of the room. "That shadow... Is my master..." Vedour said. "He has great powers... To make things that happen in your dreams become real... And to make the nightmares in your life go away, as if they never existed..."

The shadowy figure soon converged into the shape of a handsome young man in a vampiric looking suit, a cloak around his neck and drifting off into mist at the bottom, just like his legs did. "... You are troubled by this father figure, yes?" Vorspier, the Dream Vampire said to Annabella, swiftly swirling around her in a mystifying fashion, "I can make that disappear! And whatever your dreams are, I will make into reality." He looked at her with sharp, but sensitive eyes, saying in a soothing voice, "One as pretty as you should not have to deal with abusive men... You deserve only the best." He smiled kindly at her, his fangs revealed.

Vedour looked up to his master, who looked back down at him, smiling. "Girl..." the mysterious Dream Vampire started to say, "All I want is your dream to come true. You do not deserve a nightmare." The Dream Vampire seemed sincere enough, but did he really want nothing in return for what he was doing? That was the only word that she had to go on. "I eat dreams and I eat nightmares," he went on to say, "And whatever one I devour, I must replace with the other. So..." He raised a gloved finger up, closing his eyes and starting to fade away into the mist that was his lower torso, "I will eat this nightmare of yours and bring your dreams into reality..."

By the time he finished speaking, his form was shapeless again; ambiguous and in flux. He was a mass of gaseous matter that extended out toward the far reaches of Annabella's nightmare. "With your permission, my dear, I will eat this nightmare and your dream will sprout... And, when you wake up..." He trailed off, letting his servant, Vedour, finish speaking for him, saying, "... Your father will be no more."

"So be it," the Dream Vampire said, withdrawing every corner of the young lady's dream into a swirling black hole right before her very eyes. She would watch her father and the women he dealt with get sucked in and broken down into nothingness, along with the very atmosphere of the dream. Vedour, the ghostly servant, would laugh hauntingly to himself as the Dream Vampire absorbed the entire nightmare into himself. "From now on, I will be with you changing your world into your dream world, slowly and surely," the Dream Vampire said, "Until everything is as you want it, forevermore."

As he spoke, the girl's fantasy began to occur, starting with her father. She would see him with a strange, loving, kindly woman that would change his heart into one of love and caring. He would be seen treating his daughter with compassion and not as he did before because of this new woman in his life, and the other women would no longer appear. "This will happen over the course of many days... And many nights," the Dream Vampire continued to say, "Each night, more and more of your dreams will come true until you are completely happy." Vedour was watching from the sidelines as the changed man with the woman who would become his wife loved Annabella properly and treated her better than ever as repayment for what he had already done.

"As for me," the Dream Vampire said, "I will come to you in many forms." Suddenly, there was a tree beside Annabella, and a raven would fly to it, fluttering its wings before landing in the tree. This was the Dream Vampire. "And my servant, Vedour, you will be able to see and speak to clearly, though no one else will. He will tell you where I am if you cannot find me." The raven in the tree flew off, and the tree disappeared, along with Annabella's father and his new wife. "You may call me..." the Dream Vampire started to say, the thick mist returning and converging into the shape of the same handsome young man that appeared to Annabella before, "... Vorspier."

After hearing the name of the Dream Vampire, Annabella would be compelled to awaken, where she would see the first signs of her reality changing -- her father's attitude, and the new woman.

Next to Annabella, Vedour, the wraith of a servant to Vorspier, would faintly appear to her, his four slanted eyes under the pitch black shadow of his tattered hood gazing into hers. "You will know the truth when you next see your father... My master has made it his business to 'deal' with the man in a way that will change his heart for the better..." Being a Dream Vampire with no definite form, Vorspier was capable of intruding on other people's minds and influencing them ever so slightly when they slept... Or, even when they were awake, sometimes daydreaming. "Just rest your head, child, and let my master's hand work its power over this situation..." Vedour would then chuckle darkly before beginning to disappear. "Whenever you wish to see him, look for me, his humble servant, Vedour..." As Annabella fell to sleep, Vedour completely vanished.

By the time the morning came, the Dream Vampire Vorspier was nowhere to be found. Though he was unlike other vampires and could endure the sunlight without any repercussions, he was still one that preferred working in the dark of the night more than anything. Still, he was watching over Annabella in ways unseen, as was his servant Vedour, to see what the effects of what he'd done would be... And to gaze at Annabella, a beauty that he found most attractive. She was quite the flower and he was certainly enraptured by her demeanor. That was part of the reason why he wanted to change her life... And be in it, himself.

To Annabella's eyes, she'd be able to see the faint outline of the spirit Vedour hovering behind her father, nodding his shadowy head once she realized that his master had indeed done what he'd promised. He was only faintly visible, but he was clear to the eyes of Annabella and not to the woman nor her father. He pointed toward the window, where there was a black cat with strange lavender eyes gazing into the household from the windowpane. Vedour was signaling to Annabella that this was his master, Vorspier, in yet another form that he'd decided to take on in order to observe the goings on in the life of Annabella and also change them depending on what was going on. Vorspier intended to have her live in the dream world she wished for, and was set in his heart to do that for the beautiful young lady.

The black cat that was in the window of Annabella's house followed her after she came out, staying a ways behind her, yet still near enough where she was always within eyesight. The cat moved like a shadow -- damn near THROUGH the shadows -- and crept quietly like a thief in the night. By the time Annabella was at her destination, Vorspier, with his cat ears, heard what the other girl said about Annabella. He saw how she looked when she looked at the dress and also how she looked when she was told that it wouldn't be right for her, and he darted off into the darkness so he could change forms.

When Vorspier came back out of the shadows, -- seemingly out of nowhere -- it was to greet Annabella as a handsome man; the same as she'd seen the night before when he took on this form. "Why, hello," he said in a charming tone, giving her a dazzling smile that would make the other girl envious if she was still looking, "I noticed that you seem to admire that dress." He chuckled a bit, trying to gaze Annabella in her eyes, his own sparkling much like his smile, "I believe you would look wonderful in it. You should go back in and see if you can buy it." Knowing that the other girl was inside, Vorspier said to Annabella, "Here, I will go with you and see how it fits you if you will try it on." If Annabella would comply, Vorspier would escort her back into the store and right past the other girl, glaring at her as he passed. He wanted to get a good look at her face, for some reason...

Vorspier was happy that Annabella recognized him when he was in a humanlike form. Being a Dream Vampire that was of ambiguous form in truth, he wasn't usually in this transformation. Still, he was a wise vampire that knew much about things that went beyond dreams and reality, such as manners and etiquette. Escorting Annabella back inside, he made sure to walk in the path of the other girl that had said the mean thing to Annabella. He got a good look at her face and his eyes flashed viperously as he looked at her, which should have stunned the girl in fright. However, after a moment, his face returned to its normal charming handsome state and he smiled at the girl, saying, "Excuse me, miss. We're going to see how she looks in that dress over there." He would then guide Annabella toward the dress and take it, walking her toward the fitting room that was in the store.

Unbeknownst to Annabella, Vorspier was using his power on the dress when he touched it, so it would cause her body to shift ever so slightly when she put it on, making her curvier and bustier just a smidgen so that she was more noticeably beautiful in the dress. It would make her entire body pop with a beautiful display unlike any of the other women that were around, and also accentuate her facial features at the same time. Yes, Vorspier had the power to alter reality into dreams, so this was not beyond his doing... Annabella's dream life was coming closer and closer the more the two spent time with each other.

Waiting patiently for Annabella to return from the fitting room, Vorspier kept himself composed and collected all the while. When she finally emerged, his eyes glittered again as they'd done when he laid eyes on her before, and he smiled warmly at her. "You look absolutely radiant, my dear!" he complimented, clasping his hands together with passion. "I daresay that you are the most beautiful girl in the room!" He shot a gaze at the other girl, whom he hoped heard him when he spoke.

Vorspier looked back to Annabella twirling in her dress. "You should definitely get it. I'm sure you'll find that your radiance precedes you anywhere you go with that on." He stood, then came a bit closer to her, gazing into her eyes once again. "Then again... You look gorgeous even without the dress." It almost looked like he wanted to kiss her... But he kept his distance and his properness about himself, humbly turning his head away and asking, "Shall we get you this dress then, beauty?" It would certainly make the other girl that much more envious to look upon Annabella and see that she looked better than her, had a man that thought the same, and was going to purchase the very dress that she said would look bad on her. Vorspier definitely wanted her to be watching all of it happen... For he might be seeing her in her nightmares tonight.

Vorspier chuckled lightly and accepted Annabella's gentle hug. He bowed lightly to her and said, "Of course, my dear... You are a gorgeous person. It's only natural that something of beauty compliments someone of beauty." When Vorspier rose, Annabella had already gone back to change into her normal clothes. He awaited her return with a smile on his face and a sparkling look in his eyes that matched the glittering of her own when he looked at her once she came back out.

"Beauty is as beauty does." Those were Vorspier's words to Annabella as she continued to beam with a brightness that he hadn't seen when he first met her. It warmed his heart to see her in such a state. "Well now, let's get the dress and show it off somewhere! We should go somewhere. Anywhere you like." Vorspier wanted to spend the day with Annabella. He could feel himself becoming more attracted to her the more he got to know her. She was a kind and loving soul and he would make her dreams come true...

Things were going well until Annabella was tripped by the other girl who was envious of her and she hurt herself by scraping her knee. Vorspier was stunned and angered by this, but kept his composure because he was in public and didn't want to use his powers out in the light of day or at least in the vision of other people. He was able to enter the sun's light, but using his powers in broad daylight before the eyes of the masses would only attract unwanted and unnecessary attention and possibly trouble. He'd keep himself collected for now... But he wouldn't leave without giving the mean girl a certain 'look' that would mean her demise.

Tending to Annabella first, he scooped her up in his arms and asked her, "Are you alright, my dear?" before inspecting the wound. "It doesn't look too bad. We can patch that up in no time." Again, he wouldn't use his powers noticeably out in the open unless he absolutely had to, and this wasn't one of those times. He turned to meet the eye of the rival of Annabella and with a grimace upon his face and a sharp look in his eyes said, "Some people have inner beauty that is more gorgeous than anything exterior." He smirked, narrowing his eyes. "Not that you'd know anything of either of those." Vorspier laughed a bit as he started to walk out of the store with Annabella. "You cannot buy a beautiful soul... Even if you can buy your looks." With that said, Vorspier walked out of the store with Annabella in his arms, carrying her off to a location where they were alone.

"Are you okay, my darling?" he asked her sweetly, "That foul girl was someone you know, correct? She won't be bothering you anymore after one whole day has passed." He intended to enter her dreams and give her nightmares when Annabella slept so that the girl would be scared straight... And, if that didn't work, he'd use some of his power to give her a different attitude, much like that of her father. It was just something that he wouldn't do in public.

Placing Annabella down, Vorspier summoned "Vedour!" and the wraith appeared with a package of bandages to patch up the wound. Vorspier took his time doing so as not to hurt Annabella anymore, but as he did, he would pick up the conversation from where they left off. "If you can walk, we can make our way to your house and collect what you will for this outing we will have. If not, I will carry you home myself." He waited to see what Annabella's status was before he continued any further.

It was problematic that Annabella hadn't gotten the box with the dress in it because of what happened to her knee, but it wasn't something that couldn't be handled. "There, there, my dear," Vorspier would comfort, patting Annabella on the back, "You'll find that the dress will turn up soon enough." Vorspier could make certain of that much. With Annabella's rival having the dress that was enchanted by Vorspier in her possession, she would also find that the dress could be cursed in just the same fashion. "If we cannot get the dress back, then I will make for you a dress in its image that will be even more stunning than the first!" When asked not to 'hurt' her rival, Vorspier simply laughed, keeping quiet about what he was going to do.

"Vedour...?" Vorspier summoned, the wraith with the four slanted, narrow eyes and shadowy face with a dark hood covering it appearing before the two of them.

"Yes, master..." Vedour said obediently, knowing what to do without the exchange of any words. He disappeared quickly and reappeared before the girl who had stolen the dress, forewarning her of what sort of misfortune would befall her should she not return it. "You will suffer terrible nightmares and the dress itself will make itself your downfall when you wear it. Your body will become ugly and grotesque when you put it on, and no one will be attracted to you." This was Vedour's part in the matter, and Vorspier's curse. After dealing with Annabella, Vorspier would handle her rival.

But now was not the time for that. "Come," Vorspier insisted to Annabella, extending his arm to her, "Let us continue our day by going to that spot you were speaking of that is so special to you. It will take your mind off of the dress for a while as the situation is... Dealt with." Vorspier chuckled deviously at the thought. "What is it that we need to do? I will wait outside so that I do not cause suspicion with your father and new mother figure. My power is delicate, and to intervene with it so suddenly could cause it to backfire and make me waste more of my precious energy than I should." He looked away for a moment. "I eat dreams and nightmares, you see. So whatever nightmare there is to consume, I will eat it and leave only dreams where it was. Likewise, I will leave nightmares where dreams I have eaten are."

Vorspier accompanied Annabella home, listening to what she was saying as they traveled. "A picnic?" he asked, "Why, I don't think I've ever had the pleasure." Perhaps he'd seen picnics in other peoples' dreams and such, but did not particularly participate in one of his own will. "It will be all the better having my first one with you," he added, laughing lightly. "I am able to eat normal food, yes, however it does not really fill me."

Outside of the house, Vorspier's servant, Vedour, appeared before him again. "Master, I have told the girl that she will be cursed if she wears the dress she stole and does not give it back," he said.

"Excellent," Vorspier responded, awaiting Annabella. "I'll deal with that issue tonight..." By this time, Annabella was coming back out with everything for the picnic. "Oh, here, sweetie, let Vedour help you! You do not have to carry all of that by yourself!" He followed her to the forest, but insisted that she let Vedour carry something for her. But when he noticed that they were going to the forest, Vorspier started to smile happily. "Is this where we first met...?" he asked under his breath, not really speaking loud enough to be heard.

Vorspier himself was charmed by Annabella's thoughtfulness in the matter, coming to the spot where the two of them met the other day. She was a sweet and mindful young lady that he found lovely to be around, and her thoughtfulness only increased that. "You're such a sweetheart, bringing me here! I know I will enjoy this, for I am spending time with you." He couldn't believe it himself, but he was getting feelings for the girl that were more intense than he originally thought when he visited her in her dream. He didn't expect to be so enraptured by her, nor to be taken by her wonderful soul.

He sat down once the spread was laid, unable to take his eyes off of Annabella. He was lost in her, and he nearly did not hear her question. "Hm? Oho, no, I have never done this for any human before," Vorspier had to admit. "I was once the general of an army in the Dream World, so I spent most of my time using my powers for warfare." Sighing deeply, Vorspier took hold of one of the glasses after Vedour poured the wine into it and continued. "I only spent time with humans in order to eat their dreams... But never have I ever spent time with one that I..." He trailed off at the end, shyly looking away. It seemed that the powerful Dream Vampire had his soft spots, as well.

"Oh!" he suddenly said as Annabella asked him about Vedour's name, "It is pronounced like 'Devour' -- V-Dowr." He chuckled at Annabella speaking of their names, saying in response, "We come from the Dream World, where many people have names you might find strange." He took a sip of his wine, leaning back casually and letting the breeze flow through his dark red-violet hair. "How do you like things so far? Are they to your liking, my sweet?" He was curious as to whether Annabella liked the things he was doing for her, since he was making her dreams come true as a token of his love.

Vorspier laughed a little when Annabella was amazed at his accomplishments as an army general. "Yes, I served directly under the Dream King and was a royal servant to protect his daughter." He remembered those days vividly. "Still, to this day, though there is no war, I protect the daughter of the Dream King as my duty." He clinked glasses with Annabella and smiled. "But I have a lot of free time on my hands now because she is married now and doesn't need me much anymore!" Though that was true, Vorspier was happy that the girl he'd watch grow up go off to be married off to someone that could protect her better than he could. "I'm glad you admire my strength. I haven't even shown you a fraction of my true power yet, but as dream becomes reality, you will see why I was ranked the general."

Once Annabella started telling him about how she was okay with what he was doing, he sighed with relief and said, "Ah, that makes me most pleased to hear that things are to your liking." He took a sip of wine then looked to her again with tender eyes. "Who knows? You might just find that love you wanted all on your own." He made the vague reference to himself, but he didn't want to come on to her too fast, though he was definitely falling for her. "You have a personality as beautiful as you are."

Vorspier looked at Annabella when the flower petals got on her nose and he chuckled to himself. "Cute as a button," he'd say, listening to the rest of what her wishes were. He took another sip of wine. "I believe that I can make those things happen for you in time, my dear," Vorspier said, "Those things are very simple for me to accomplish."

When Annabella commented on the things that she did, Vorspier was a bit taken aback by her words. He stood at a loss for a moment or so, watching as tears welled up in Annabella's eyes because of her bleak outlook on the future.

Quickly, Vorspier consoled Annabella and reassured her that things would be alright. "There, there," he said, "It isn't like that at all! Just because I come from a different world and I am a different being than you does not mean that love has escaped either of us." He knew he would have to sustain himself on the dreams and nightmares of others, but that didn't mean he had to remain apart from Annabella. "I... I don't HAVE to leave," he started to say, swirling his wine in his glass, "... I don't need to feed very often, and I can always feast upon others nearby!" Still, the fact that he was from another world served as a problem. He couldn't move from there and he doubted that Annabella would be able to transfer into the Dream World. "... I can have offspring, though I have never had the thought to do so." Vorspier lived a rather straightforward life with Vedour, creating omens of his coming and feasting on delicious dreams and nightmares.

Still, the subject seemed tender to Annabella, so Vorspier figured that he may have to do something about finding her someone else to love. He didn't want to, since he already had feelings for her, but their relationship wouldn't work unless one of them went to the other's world and remained there permanently. That wasn't a sacrifice either of them could make, he felt.

However, Vorspier did understand what it meant to live in the moment, and he suddenly had an idea. "... I will stay with you," he vowed, looking to Annabella with passion in his eyes, "Until you can find someone that is suitable for you, I will stay with you. Then you will not be lonely or unloved, because..." He didn't want to say it so soon. It was probably best that he waited. "... Because I will be here for you. If it is your dream to find love, I will make that dream come true, as well! Even if I must do so myself!" That much was a guarantee.

Vorspier happily accepted the hug from Annabella, returning it with a tightness like her own. "Yes, my darling..." he'd whisper in her ear as they hugged, "I will be here as long as you'll have me." By this time, Vedour was pouring some more wine. Vorspier had yet to taste some of the food that Annabella made, but he figured he'd give some a try. After taking a bite, he was astonished to find how delicious it was. "Oh my!" he exclaimed, "This is almost better than a dream!" he'd compliment about the food. "You really are a wondrous woman." He wiped the tears of joy from her eyes as he gazed deeply into them, pleased that Annabella was so happy because of him.

When asked about attending a town ball, Vorspier chuckled a little and said, "A town ball? My... It's been so long since I've attended one... Especially in a humanoid form." Vorspier didn't take the form of a normal human or a humanoid vampire very often, and was usually in flux between several transformations based on the dreams and nightmares of the people that he visited. He couldn't deny the hope that was in her eyes, nor the feelings in his heart. "Yes," he said absolutely, grabbing Annabella's hand, "Of course I will go with you. You can count on me as your escort to the ball." Since he could transform, his appearance would not be an issue. However, there was the lingering issue of getting her that dress back. "Our only problem is what you'll wear now that the wretched rival of yours has made off with your dress." He looked away. "I cursed it so that it would make her look bad, but if you get it back, the curse will be broken and you will look just fine in it, as you had before."

He took another sip of wine. "When is this ball? How long do we have until then to get the dress back?" He thought for a moment. "Or, shall I make you a new one befitting of your dreams and let the other girl wear the accursed dress so that she will be ugly and cursed during the ball?"

The first thing that Vorspier noticed was that Annabella was reddened by his touch, understanding that she had some sort of mutual feelings for him. But when she returned to her plate and noticed that she was barely eating when she'd made so much food, he became a bit concerned. She explained to him that she didn't eat much, but he rarely ate human food at all! If he did eat, it was for taste and not for sustenance, since dreams and nightmares were his true fodder. "Don't worry," he said, "I'll eat whatever you do not." Not only did he not eat human food, but because he could eat it without getting full, he could have as much as he wanted.

"Don't be sad, love," Vorspier said as Vedour prepared aa proper plate for him, "You should just take it one bite at a--" Before he finished, she had run off to throw up the little food she'd just eaten. He was a bit sad that she had such trouble eating, but if she said she was okay, he'd let it be. He couldn't help but also be reminded of his former duties as caretaker of the Dream King's daughter, Friday, from her youth. This situation reminded him of those days long since past.

Vorspier wondered what to say to her in response. "Maybe you should go home," he concluded, "It's getting late, anyway. I need to... Pay a visit to your rival." He began to laugh sinisterly for a moment or two, then proceeded to eat the food prepared. "We will be seeing you again tomorrow morning when you wake up," Vorspier assured, polishing off his wine as he finished the food that was made. "Look forward to it and get a good night's sleep, my dear." Hopefully her stomach wouldn't upset her any longer. He didn't want to touch her and risk her throwing up again, but he did have powers that could help heal her. He just didn't want to use his powers to directly affect people who were subject to them too much because it could end up with them not being who they are anymore rather than him making their world into a dream or nightmare. Changing someone was different than changing their reality.

"What do you say?" Vorspier asked, smiling warmly at Annabella, "Shall I escort you home?"

Vorspier chuckled a bit, saying, "Vedour," as he motioned for the wraith to take hold of the picnic basket and any other belongings to Annabella that she'd brought along on the trip. "I'd be most honored to carry you home, m'lady," Vorspier said with a regal bow. He rose up and immediately swept Annabella off of her feet with his arms and into a carrying position, careful not to rattle her too much. "Is this alright?" he asked her. "Are you okay?" He thought of using his powers to take them to her home, but since she was feeling unwell, he decided against it. "If you at all have any motion sickness, just let me know and I will stop to let you recoup." Vorspier started to slowly walk, still making sure Annabella was alright, checking her out so that he was sure she was fine.

Vedour hovered beside them, carrying the things that Annabella brought. He was silent most of the time, as he was a being that was a 'speak when spoken to' type, but he loved his master and relished in his own silence. When Vedour had something to say, he was allowed to speak freely. He simply was like the entity he was -- a ghost. And like a ghost, he was silent as the night.

They proceeded with caution.

They reached the house without any incident, so Vorspier was relieved. He still had concern for Annabella, so he decided that he would stay with her a little longer so that he could make sure she was alright before he left to bring nightmares to her rival. As she opened her eyes and cutely spoke out to him, he said with a tender voice, "Yes, my sweet. You are back home." Since the door was unlocked, he walked right in without any problems, then went to Annabella's room to set her down on the bed. "Are you feeling better now? Would you like something to drink?" He knew that fluids were good for helping purge a sickness, but he also didn't want to make anything worse. His eyes gleamed as he looked into hers, his gaze softening. "I'm going to be here with you until I know that you are alright, my sweet." This girl he'd taken a liking to was the cutest heart. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. "I will stay until you fall asleep, then I will be paying a visit to your rival's dreams." Vorspier was already anticipating the fun he'd have plaguing the other girl with nightmares and curses.

"Vedour," Vorspier called out, bidding his servant to go acquire drink for the lady. Silently, Vedour nodded and disappeared, going to fetch some water for the young Annabella.

All the while, Vorspier continued to talk to Annabella whilst she rested. "You're welcome, my dear. It is my pleasure to make dreams come true the best way I know how." Vorspier bowed his head solemnly to Annabella and chuckled a bit under his breath. When he raised his head, he looked her passionately in the eyes and said, "I'll visit your dreams every night if it means making you happy, my sweet. I have no issue with doing that." He was going to make her life a wonderland no matter what.

By this time, Vedour had returned with some water for Annabella, which he kindly gave to her so that she could drink. "For the lady," Vedour said, bowing his head humbly as well.

It was a surprise to Vorspier that Annabella was going to change into her pajamas before him, but he realized that she thought he was going to go get the drink himself. Noting this, he said, "Ah, well, you have your drink and you need to change. Vedour and I will step out for the moment so that you can adjust yourself to your nighttime attire." He gave a deep bow and dispersed into shadows, quickly sliding under the door and out into the hall. Vedour disappeared for the time being.

"Hahaha, I was rather looking forward to spending a little more time with you before you slept," Vorspier said through the door, "But your wish is my command, my dear." With that said, a soft but resonant chuckle could be heard throughout the room before Vorspier disappeared completely, Vedour along with him.

At the residence of the rival girl that was mean to Annabella, Vedour, the wraith, would appear before her as she slept, a fog rolling in with him. "Beware," Vedour said as whatever dream the girl was having would be consumed by the fog, turning the very atmosphere a pitch black, "My master approaches to reprimand you for your wretched behavior to the one known as 'Annabella'."

The fog was so thick that Vedour could barely be seen, but the girl would seem as though she were in a void of nothing but this fog for quite some time, Vedour disappearing rather quickly as it all happened. She would drift aimlessly through fog until finally, there would be the cushion of the ground underneath her, letting her rest from her aimless drifting. However, the ground that felt as soft as a cushion suddenly felt as sharp as knives -- blades of grass like daggers. She'd only rest just atop them so that she'd feel their sting, but not be pressed into them so that she would be harmed. The stinging sensation would be like bees all up and down her back.

"You Who Have Been Cursed By The Dream Vampire, Vorspier," a booming baritone voice spake out, "This Nightmare Is Your Warning To Right What Is Wrong And Leave Her Alone." The sky painted itself a hellish color, visibly lashing with fire from above and filling the entire sky, yet leaving a void where the atmosphere should have been. The heat of the fire would just barely lick at the face of the girl, threatening to burn her and her clothes. From the sky, a monstrous mouth would form with razor sharp teeth, rows and rows of them piling up like a tunnel. "If I Have To Come Back To You, It Will Be With A Worse Nightmare Than This." Out of the mouth, violent bats of fire shot out, viciously swarming around the girl's head and not letting up as they flapped about. "Consider This A Warning Of What Will Come Later Should You Not Heed These Words." Everything the girl would experience would seem real, and she would hear the deep voice say to her, "Return The Dress Or Suffer My Curse."

All the while Annabella had her dream of Vorspier, he himself had just finished up scaring the other girl straight. He expected to be there all night making this girl suffer, but then he decided to let her own imagination get the better of her from there on and left her nightmare to be what it was.

When he got back to Annabella, she was sound asleep, but her dream was like an open book to him. He was able to see everything that happened, including what it seemed like Annabella subconsciously wanted him to do to her. He couldn't say he didn't want to, but alas, he was unsure of whether he would be able to stay with her once he made her dream come true. Though, being part of her dream also made it so that he needed to be included in order for it to be complete, so he was happy to know that much. He knew how he could remedy the issue of their worlds being separated.

But that was a subject for later on. Right now, Vorspier wanted to secretly maximize on the moment that he had in Annabella's dream and join in on it... And perhaps make it a little better with his own touch to it. And speaking of touch, he'd come in right when he was running his hands over Annabella's luscious body, her skin so smooth and her features so sensational. The soft kissing of her neck became kissing on her cheek, then eventually upon her lips... Gently, but still domineering. "Annabella..." Vorspier said tenderly, synchronized with the dream now and moving to Annabella's will coupled with his own.

Whatever would happen would happen.