by Terry S. Bowers

He knew. He had to know. There was no way he could not know. And there was no way she could do what he asked of her. She wanted to. She wanted to help him, but she could not. She had no will, no strength to fight the control. He knew that, but still he asked, demanded... accepted. She could no more tell him who was doing this to her than his own victims could have betrayed him.

Standing in the foyer of Collinwood, near the portrait of Barnabas Collins, Julia Hoffman turned to face that same man, her eyes pleading as he uncovered the fang marks on her neck, affirming what he all ready knew. She wanted to help him, yet she could not. Barnabas knew that and he nodded, placing his hand on her trembling arm.

"Julia, come to the Old House with me now."

"I can't, Barnabas."

"Yes you can, and you will. I want you nearby so I can look after you, protect you properly. I do have some knowledge in these matters."

Despite how she felt, Julia could not ignore the humor - and the truth - in Barnabas' statement. She gave him a weak smile but shook her head.

"No, Barnabas, I won't endanger you, expose you to the risk."

"So long as Jennings is walking the Earth we are all at risk, Julia. No one is safe. Please, come with me now. I can help you - I will help you."

Too tired and ill to argue, Julia nodded and allowed Barnabas to escort her from Collinwood, through the woods and to the Old House. She slowed instinctively, stumbling slightly as they passed the turn-off path to where she had been ordered to meet Jennings nightly, but Barnabas' strength kept her moving, kept her on her feet and they were soon in the relative safety of the Old House.

Grateful, Julia eased into a chair in the drawing room while Barnabas summoned Willie Loomis. She vaguely heard them talking and ignored the frightened glances Willie sent her way. She was too ill to care, too weak to fight it, and she closed her eyes, seeking the rest she craved.

What seemed like only moments later, Julia felt a firm hand on her shoulder, the deep, caring voice of Barnabas calling to her. She struggled to open her eyes and groggily met his gaze.

"Julia, come with me. I want you to stay in Josette's room."

Unable to resist, Julia felt Barnabas assist her to her feet and up the stairs. As they walked, she felt her strength beginning to return, but knew it was only an illusion. Tom was sending that strength to her because it was nearly sunset, because he wanted her again as soon as he rose.

They entered Josette's room just as the dogs began to howl, and Julia stiffened, trying to shake off Barnabas' firm hand, but he would not allow it. His hands tightened on her upper arms and he directed her to sit. Barnabas sat with her, never once releasing his grasp of her. She knew what he was doing, what he hoped Jennings would do and she feared it would work, but could do nothing to stop him.

Barnabas watched Julia change as the dogs began to howl. She tightened her muscles, tried to resist and escape his direction of her, but he would not release her. He, more than anyone, knew what the howling of the dogs meant, and if he could prevent Julia from answering that summons long enough, it just might force this vampire into revealing himself there in the room. Barnabas knew he was dealing with a young, inexperienced vampire, and one who certainly had no idea of Barnabas' past. He hoped that would be to his advantage.

Startled by Julia's agonized moan, Barnabas swallowed hard and tightened his grip on her arms, forcing her to remain seated. She tried to struggle, to escape, but he was stronger than she, and Julia could not release herself from his grasp.

"No, Julia, you cannot leave. He must come to you."

"Please, let me go, let me go. I must answer. I must do as he commands."

"No, Julia, you cannot."

"Please... you don't understand...."

"But I do, Julia. That is why I am doing this now."

Barnabas swallowed hard. He hated to see Julia like this, yet he knew it was necessary if he were to help her, to save her. The fact he would be exposing himself to danger, risking the possibility of himself becoming a victim of this creature was of no concern. He had no choice in the matter. He had to help Julia. He could not allow Jennings to prey upon her any longer, could not allow Julia to become such as he had once been -- a vampire, one of the living dead.

Abruptly Julia ceased struggling and grew very still. Barnabas watched her intently, then listened hard. The dogs had gone quiet as well, and Barnabas glanced about the room, searching the shadows. He could feel another presence there with them.

Over Julia's shoulder he heard faint movement then the vampire stepped from the darkening shadows, his fangs showing, eyes burning and wide, ready to punish his victim for not answering his call.

"Julia, why did you not come?"

She moaned again and began to struggle but still Barnabas would not release her. As the vampire moved further into the light, Barnabas was able to see him clearly. Collins rose, drawing and taking aim on Jennings' heart with the revolver loaded with silver bullets he had concealed in his jacket pocket, one hand still holding tightly to Julia Hoffman's shoulder.

"Jennings."

Suddenly realizing he was not alone with his victim, Tom Jennings bit back a snarl, and disappeared into the shadows before Barnabas could fire. Julia began to struggle harder.

"No! Please! Don't go... Don't leave me..."

An answering howl from a lone dog followed her plea, then Julia sank limply to the divan on which she sat. Her eyes closed and her head lolled against the back of it. Barnabas looked at her, glanced out the window, then bent over, picked up her frail and pale body, and carried her over to the bed. She was unconscious, exhausted by her struggle, and while Barnabas knew it was not yet over, she would be at rest for a little while. Studying her face for a long moment, Barnabas finally turned and reached for a light coverlet to place over Julia Hoffman.

As he turned away, Barnabas heard a slight rustle of cloth, then felt a sharp pain to the back of his head. He went to his knees as dizziness and nausea reached up to take hold, and through his blurred vision saw the figure of Julia Hoffman rush out the bedroom door.

"Julia! NO!"

His cry fell on empty air. She was gone.

She entered the cold, stone room slowly. Her eyes sought him out in the shadows. A part of her still functioning mind warned her she was in danger, told her to run while she still could, but her will was gone. She had no desire to escape him. She had to stay. Slowly he stepped from the shadows, his eyes and voice angry.

"Why did you not answer my call, Julia?"

"I couldn't. HE wouldn't let me."

"You should have found a way."

"I tried. I'm here now."

"You didn't try hard enough. You will always come the first time I call you from now on. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand. The next time I will come."

Jennings' eyes burned into Julia's as she stepped into his embrace, tilting her head back so he could more easily reach her neck. He smiled slowly as he revealed his long incisors.

"There will be no next time, Julia."

Jennings lowered his mouth to her neck quickly and Julia released a frightened, pain filled cry when his teeth sank into the tender wounds all ready there. Her eyes closed and she leaned against him, her strength being drained by him just as her blood was being drained. She gasped once, then went completely limp in Jennings' arms.

Slowly he raised his head from her neck and licked the last bit of blood from his mouth. He glanced down at her and smiled.

"Tomorrow night we will hunt together, my dear. You shall have your first taste of fresh blood."

Jennings chuckled to himself as he lifted Julia in his arms and carried her to his coffin. He removed the lid and placed her inside, closing the top slowly as he watched her lifeless body. He would have to find a place for her to rest before dawn came, for they both would not fit inside his coffin. He smiled. It was the least he could do for her, now that she too would be walking the night with him.

Hearing Barnabas' shout, Willie Loomis ran up the stairs and down the hall toward Josette's room. He didn't want to think about what he might find, but knew he had to continue on.

Slowing as he neared the open door, Loomis paused to catch his breath. Something was terribly wrong. The door to Josette's room was open, and Barnabas never allowed that. Taking a deep breath, Willie called out.

"Barnabas, you okay? Barnabas?"

He received no response but silence and Willie knew he had to go further. He stepped into the room and looked around quickly, not really wanting to find what he feared would be there.

"Barnabas...? Barnabas!"

His eyes rested on the outstretched hand of his employer where Collins lay on the floor. Willie swallowed his natural fear and quickly crossed to him, kneeling beside the dark haired man. He was still breathing and released a soft moan when Willie moved his head to check for fang marks on his neck. There were none, and Loomis slumped momentarily with relief.

"Barnabas..."

The man began to stir, and with Loomis' aid, slowly sat up. Willie got him to his feet and over to the divan, then hurried out to get water and a cloth for the back of Barnabas' head. When he returned, Collins was a bit more coherent, the dizziness and nausea under control, but the sharp ache at the back of his head still there.

Willie carefully placed the cool cloth on the injured area and stepped back as Barnabas' hand came up to hold it in place, a ragged sigh escaping his lips.

"You okay, Barnabas?"

"I'm fine, Willie. Did you see her leave?"

"You mean Julia done this to you?"

"Under Jennings' influence. Did you see her, Willie, see which way she went?"

"No, Barnabas, I was in the back of the house. Want me to go look for her?"

"We'll go together."

"Yeah, okay."

Barnabas flexed the muscles of his stiffening neck then followed Willie from the room. It had only been a matter of minutes since Julia left, but she could be most anywhere by now. And Barnabas knew it would be a miracle if they found her. Not since he'd been cured had he ever thought of wanting his vampire powers and senses back, but he was close to that point now. Anything which would help him find Julia.

Loomis closed the front door of the Old House behind him as he watched Barnabas remove his cape and hang it up. They had searched most of the night for Doctor Hoffman and found nothing. Barnabas had grown very quiet as dawn approached, saying nothing when they gave up and returned to the house. Willie knew it to be a bad sign.

"Do you want something to eat, Barnabas? Might make you feel better."

"No, thank you, Willie.... Where could she be?"

"Maybe somebody else found her, in the woods or something, you know?"

"No one else knows about her ... illness, Willie."

"Mrs. Johnson, she does."

"Only that Julia was ill, not the nature, the cause of her illness. I should never have turned my back on her, even for a moment, Willie. I, of all people, know how ... clever and cunning, how deceptive and manipulative a vampire can be. If Jennings has..."

Barnabas could not finish the sentence, his voice catching in his throat and he took a deep breath, turning toward the fireplace and settling a hand on the mantle to steady himself.

Willie watched him, worried about Julia just as Barnabas was, but pleased at the same time. Pleased because he knew Barnabas wouldn't be feeling like this unless he cared about Doctor Hoffman differently than he said, cared about her more than just because she'd helped him, maybe because she was more than just a friend. He saw Barnabas draw in a deep breath to collect himself and decided to risk it. Maybe Barnabas wouldn't admit anything out loud, but it was time he knew other people saw what he tried to ignore.

"You love her, don't you, Barnabas?"

Collins straightened his shoulders and turned to face Loomis, his eyes cold, hard, trying to hide the emotions which were so close to the surface.

"I beg your pardon?"

"It ain't me you should be asking that of, Barnabas, it should be her -- Doctor Hoffman. You love her - even if you won't say so. You at least gotta admit it to yourself, Barnabas. You ain't so good at hiding things like you used to be - now that you're cured, I mean. I can see it - in your eyes, every time you get near her. And if I can see it, she sure can. How do you think that makes her feel -- seeing it in your eyes but you don't say nothing, don't admit nothing?"

Barnabas studied Willie for a long moment and swallowed hard, but said nothing. Then he turned away and crossed to stand by the windows, looking out as the sun rose higher in the sky. Willie nodded to himself.

"Maybe you should try to get some sleep, Barnabas. We can go out looking some more later."

He didn't wait for a reply, but left the room quietly, allowing Barnabas some privacy for his thoughts.

As he stared out the window at the sun -- a sight he has despaired of ever beholding again until he met Julia Hoffman -- Barnabas closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It was unlike Willie to be so outspoken about things, but this was different. Julia Hoffman meant a great deal to Loomis. She was perhaps the only person he truly cared about at Collinwood anymore. Barnabas would not exactly classify their relationship as friendship, but they had been through much together, had been drawn together by their mutual concern for him.

Again Collins took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm his fear for Julia's safety, and smiled softly at Willie's attempt to have him admit his feelings for Julia. He was not unaware of how Julia felt for him, of the fact she loved him. For so long it had been necessary for him to remain aloof from Julia -- because of Angelique's curse, because he dared not risk losing Julia to death, because she offered him a hope he had never expected to find. But now he was cured. Angelique's curse had no hold on him nor on those who dared to love him. He had no excuse for not acknowledging Julia Hoffman's feelings towards him. But how did he feel for her? He'd never given it as much thought as it deserved, had always expected and accepted that Julia would always be a part of his life -- until death claimed one of them.

He shuddered and turned away from the window; from the early morning light. Death may have all ready claimed her, but it would not be a true death. And what would he do when faced with that very real possibility? He did not know. His mind was clear on what must be done to stop Tom Jennings before he claimed another victim, but if he'd all ready claimed Julia beyond recovery?; if she were all ready as he himself had once been... what would he do? Barnabas simply did not know.

He shook his head and walked over to stand by the fireplace again, his thoughts turning back to Willie's earlier -- accusation. And Barnabas asked himself - perhaps truly for the first time - if he did love Julia Hoffman. The answer which came to him was confusing. Yes, he did love Julia - as a friend. He would do anything for her, as she would for him. But that was not what Willie had meant. Loomis knew Barnabas loved Julia as a friend. He'd been asking if he loved the woman as something else, as something more than a friend.

Again Collins shook his head. He didn't know. He honestly did not know, and now.... it might be too late, might no longer matter how he felt for Julia.

NO! He would not give up hope of finding her before it was too late. He would not give up trying to locate and destroy Jennings before he destroyed Julia Hoffman.

His determination re-enforced, Barnabas nodded once, then left the room and climbed the stairs of his ancient home. He would heed Willie's advise and try to get some rest. He would need all his strength later on when he resumed his search for Julia.

* * * * *

She woke slowly, a panic seeping into her very being when her eyes registered the complete and total darkness surrounding her. There was not a trace of light anywhere and she reached up to feel of her surroundings. The space in which she was confined was small and cramped and a hoarse cry escaped her throat when full realization of just where she was came. She was dead! She was in a coffin!

"No!..."

Frantically Julia pushed up on the restraining lid above her and felt it open, releasing her from the confined space and she sat up, gasping for air, realizing she shouldn't need air at all. She was dead.

"No..."

"Julia."

The deep, commanding voice was very close to her and she looked up to find Tom Jennings standing next to her, hand held out to her.

"Come, Julia."

"Why have you done this to me?"

Tom looked uncertain for a moment, as if he didn't understand her question nor why she should even ask it. There was no reason as far as he could see for her to be upset.

"You wanted it."

"No, not this. I never wanted this!"

"You did, Julia. Your mind..."

"Don't tell me about my mind. I'm a .... was .... was a..."

Her angry, frightened voice trailed off as she shook her head, realizing none of what she had once been was important now, but she couldn't turn her back on it either. It WAS still part of her.

"What were you, Julia?"

"It... doesn't matter."

"That's right. Come with me, you'll feel better after you... eat."

A delighted, anticipatory light came into Jennings' eyes as he took her by the arm and led her from the crypt.

"No, I can't."

"You will, you must. You have no choice. Think of the blood, Julia."

She shook her head, trying to call up clinical, scientific images of the red substance which was so vital to human beings... and now to her, but she could not. She tried to remember all she knew about blood, the medical and scientific aspects of it, the physiological structure of it and all the diseases it was subject to, but could not. All she could see was the image of ... Barnabas.

"Yes, think of him, Julia. Think of the man who was so important to you in life. Think of Barnabas Collins. He could join you, be with you always."

"No! I won't do that to him!"

"We shall see, Julia."

"No!"

She broke away from Jennings and ran from the crypt door, hearing him call after her, but she paid no attention. She would not go to Barnabas, she would not prey upon him, would not risk his return to this state of non-life which he loathed.

As she fled, Julia did not notice the tall, thin shadow of a human concealed by the bushes outside the crypt door, nor did Jennings as he followed Hoffman into the night.

Frowning, the observer's shadowed eyes narrowed and turned away. There was much to do.

* * * * *

Darkness had settled over the Old House by the time Willie and Barnabas returned. On edge, not liking the danger they were facing, Willie quickly lit the candles as Barnabas shook his head in frustration.

"Where could she be, Willie?

"I don't know, Barnabas. Seems like we looked everywhere."

"Obviously we have not, or we would have found her - or Jennings."

"Yeah, well it ain't safe to look no more now, Barnabas. Not until the sun comes up again."

"And it is not safe to leave her out there, Willie. She may not survive another ... attack. I have a feeling she is nearby, Willie. There is some place we are overlooking."

"Barnabas, if ... when you were ... well, you know. If you hadn't a' been able to hide here, or maybe in the secret room.... where would you have gone?"

Barnabas studied Willie long and hard, his expression dark.

"I'm just asking, Barnabas, because that's where he might be. Jennings don't have no real safe place to hide like you did, nobody to... look after him. It'd have to be someplace nobody goes, someplace nodody'd want to go."

Collins nodded slowly.

"Yes, Willie, yes, but where?.... The cemetery.... one of the crypts."

"But which one?"

"We will have to check them all."

"Barnabas, I just thought of something. Julia, she knows about the secret room. Would she go there? Or maybe tell him?..."

Barnabas frowned at the possibility, but nodded.

"We will know come morning, Willie."

"Yeah."

Barnabas turned to study the fire and Loomis uneasily moved off. He didn't like any of this and he didn't even want to think about what might have to happen when they found Julia.

Long, tapered fingers moved slowly, deliberately, methodically, lighting long black candles in a precise order, incense burning in the background.

Still terrified of what she had become, in agony because she had not yet found a victim, unable to bring herself to do as she must in order to survive, Julia Hoffman stumbled through the woods, one name echoing in her mind: Barnabas... BARNABAS... She knew he would help her, knew he would understand, but she dared not go to him, not like this. What had Barnabas called it? The blood lust. Yes, and she dared not see Barnabas. She didn't know if she possessed the willpower to resist. But he would help her. He would know what to do.

Suddenly realizing where she was, Julia stopped, her eyes focusing on the dim light coming from the Old House. She would find sanctuary there. Barnabas was there.

"No! I must not go to him!"

But she had to. Barnabas would help her. Barnabas would know what to do. Barnabas.

Feeling as though she were being drawn there, Julia stepped from the concealing shadows of the woods and silently walked toward the structure.

Pacing before the fireplace in the drawing room, Barnabas stopped, aware he was no longer alone in the room. He glanced up, expecting to find Willie had come in to tend the candles, and pulled in a quick, deep breath of surprise when he saw Julia Hoffman standing in the doorway. She looked terrible - pale and weak, nearly at the point of collapse.

"Julia!"

"Barnabas...."

"Willie!..."

He shouted for Willie's help even as he strode quickly across the floor to where Julia stood. Her eyes were pleading, asking for help, knowing he would give it without her asking.

"Julia."

"Barnabas, I..."

Her knees began to buckle just as Barnabas reached her. His arms went about her, keeping her on her feet long enough to get her to a chair. Julia leaned against him weakly, head turned, eyes resting on the pulse in his neck. She felt herself move closer, unable to resist, unable to prevent herself. Barnabas didn't know. He could be hers in a matter of moments.

"Julia, come, sit down."

Her knees gave out and Barnabas lifted her into his arms, carrying her toward the chair. Julia wrapped her arms about his neck, fangs showing, drawing Barnabas down closer to her. He did not suspect. He would be hers. She could feel the warmth of his skin only centimeters from her lips, could hear the blood as it pulsed through his veins and arteries. She needed him. He would sustain her.

Julia opened her mouth for her first taste of blood as Barnabas lowered her to the chair, his voice soothing and calm.

"NO!"

A terrified, anguished cry escaped her throat as Julia pulled back, pushing Barnabas away. He stumbled back, startled by her strength, beginning to realize what had just nearly happened.

"Julia..."

"No, Barnabas, stay away. I won't do that to you, won't risk turning you back into what I am. Get away, Barnabas, stay away from me. I can't..."

Her gaze met his as she allowed her fangs to be seen. Barnabas took a step back, at first terrified, then unbelieving and finally angry.

"Oh, my God, no... Julia..."

Willie had entered at just that moment and released a startled cry. Julia's eyes shot toward him quickly, then went back to Barnabas as he stepped back toward her again, going down on his knees beside her chair to take her cold, trembling hands in his.

"Julia..."

"Barnabas, help me, please."

She was near the point of tears as he studied her eyes, felt his hands squeeze hers.

"You know I will, you need not even ask. Have you... fed tonight, Julia?"

"No...."

Her voice was soft, weak, laced with pain as she lowered her eyes and shook her head negatively.

"No... I.. can't."

"Julia, you must, to survive."

"I don't want to survive, Barnabas! Not like this!"

"I'll find a way to help you, Julia, to cure you ... as I have been."

She met his eyes and smiled sadly, shaking her head. She was too tired, too weak to argue. She knew all too well Barnabas' fierce determination, his stubbornness, and she had not the strength to discuss it with him.

"And who would you have me attack, Barnabas? You? Willie? Someone at Collinwood?"

Collins shook his head as he realized Julia's plight. She would not - could not - prey upon anyone she knew, and he doubted she had the strength to go find someone she did not know, even if she could bring herself to do it.

"Julia, when did this happen?"

"I... don't know. It seems like forever."

"You ran out of here last night after Jennings left. Willie and I have been searching for you ever since."

"Last night.... yes... Tom called me... he was angry I didn't come the first time, then he ... I don't remember anything more until tonight when I woke up and realized..."

She shuddered with the memory, then looked up to meet Barnabas' gaze. Hers was unwavering, intent, commanding and he moved closer to her.

"Barnabas!"

Willie's voice snapped her attention and focus away from Barnabas and Collins swallowed, realizing Julia was unable to help herself.

Knowing one of them would soon fall prey to Julia no matter how hard she tried to resist, Willie swallowed hard and made a decision. He didn't want to do it, but he couldn't let it be Barnabas. There was no telling what might happen to him, if he would stayed cured. He had to do it. Loomis took a deep breath.

"Julia... here."

Loomis pushed his wrist in front of Julia's mouth and closed his eyes as her cold fingers wrapped around his arm.

"Willie!"

"I gotta, Barnabas! I gotta. It can't be you and pretty soon she ain't gonna be able to stop herself."

"Willie..."

Julia's voice was soft, frightened, resisting and terrified, yet pleading and full of desire, of need, all at the same time.

"Willie, no.."

"Do it, Julia, just do it."

His eyes were still closed and Willie did not see the look which passed between Julia and Barnabas. She wanted him to understand she could not help herself and he glanced away, silently giving his consent.

Lips quivering, fangs ready, Julia slowly brought Willie's wrist up to her mouth and, as gently as she could, began to draw his blood from him. Willie bit back a whimper as he felt the teeth pierce his flesh, then closed his mind to everything.

Not wanting to watch, but unable to prevent himself, Barnabas' eyes followed Willie's wrist as it was drawn up to Julia's mouth and she began to feed. He could see her strength returning as she drew blood from Willie, could see her relax slowly while at the same time could see Willie begin to weaken. Slowly Barnabas reached up to touch Julia's shoulder, not caring he could endanger himself by disturbing her, not caring he had no idea how she would react to his interference.

"Julia... enough... Julia."

She cried out softly as Barnabas pried her mouth away from Willie's wrist, then stood and hurried to the far side of the room trying to control her revulsion for what she had just done.

Willie slumped when Julia released him, light headed and nauseous. Barnabas pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around Willie's wrist, helping him over to the sofa and to lie down. He heard Julia sob as he got Willie settled and glanced her way, then looked back at Loomis.

"Willie?"

"I'm... okay, Barnabas. She didn't hurt me none."

Barnabas nodded as he studied his servant's exhausted face. No, Willie was more than a servant, he was a friend, and he had proven it this night in a way Barnabas had not thought possible.

"You may have saved her, Willie."

He laughed weakly and drifted off to sleep. Satisfied Willie was all right, Barnabas turned and crossed to where Julia stood, arms wrapped around herself. She lifted her bowed head as he neared and reached up to gently place his hand on her shoulder. Reluctantly she turned to face Barnabas. Her eyes were tortured, her face pale despite the blood she had just acquired, and Barnabas knew Julia Hoffman would never survive an existence such as this. Her basic beliefs as a doctor would not allow her to prey upon others, to injure, perhaps kill them in order to ensure her survival.

"Willie?"

"He's asleep. He'll be all right."

"Will he? What about next time I have to..."

"We will find a way to stop this, Julia."

"There is only one way, Barnabas."

She met his eyes steadily, accepting of what must be done to her but Barnabas turned away, shaking his head.

"No, I will not destroy you!"

"You have no choice, Barnabas. You told me yourself it is more kind to .. kill us than to let us face the endless nights of agony and need."

"You do not understand, Julia ... I .... I cannot destroy you."

Barnabas felt a strong hand on his shoulder, turning him around. He could not resist and followed the guidance of her hand, meeting Julia's eyes again. She smiled softly, perhaps understanding clearly for the first time.

"Yes, Barnabas, I do understand. We have been through so much together, have learned... to rely on one another for so many things. And I must rely on you now, for this, Barnabas. You cannot allow me to rise again tomorrow night."

He studied her anguished features, her pleading eyes, knowing what she asked of him was truly the only alternative, but he did not know if he could bring himself to destroy her, did not know if he could face a life in which Julia was no longer a part.

"Would you have me face the alternative, Barnabas? Chained in a coffin to suffer endless nights of agony?"

"No..."

His voice was a hoarse whisper as he shook his head.

"...No, you would go insane."

"Then you must do this for me, Barnabas. I must have your promise that, come morning, you will destroy me in such a way so I can never rise again."

".... You have it, Julia."

Collins drew in a deep breath then swallowed hard, exhaling slowly. Julia was right. He had vowed to destroy Tom Jennings, a man he barely knew. How could he do any less for Julia Hoffman, a woman who had saved him so many times he could no longer maintain an accurate tally.

Slowly Julia nodded and rested her hand on Barnabas' arm. She met his eyes again and smiled. No matter what she said, it wouldn't convey all she knew and understood now, nor how hard she knew it would be for Barnabas to keep his promise. Instead Julia leaned forward and placed a kiss on Barnabas' cheek, then she broke from him and crossed to Willie as he dozed on the couch. She looked down at him and shook her head.

"Why did he do it, Barnabas?"

"Because he considers you a friend."

"But he knew what it would be like, what he was exposing himself to."

"Perhaps Willie felt it was safer, a better alternative than allowing me to offer you my blood. There is no guarantee I would not ... revert if I were to be exposed to that destructive cell again, but for you Julia, I would risk it."

She nodded, unable to meet Barnabas' gaze, her understanding of his feelings for her becoming ever more clear. He must know she would never have willingly exposed him to that danger, but if she had been unable to control herself... no one would have been safe, especially Barnabas. Those who were most important to a person in life were the ones most at risk when the vampire came to 'life' at dusk.

"Barnabas, what of Tom Jennings?"

"We have yet to locate him, Julia. Could you..."

"I cannot betray his resting place, Barnabas. You know that."

"Yes, I do, but..."

"I will say this... he rests in a place where no being - alive or dead - has been for many years. It is near here and you do know of this place."

Barnabas watched the woman who had been - and still was - his friend. Their eyes met and Julia tested her fledgling powers of control on Barnabas' mind only long enough to confirm in his mind he had assumed the correct place. Then she turned back to Willie, her instincts as a physician still very strong. She had done this to him, now she had to do all she could to help him.

"We should get Willie to bed, and dress that wound properly. He'll rest more comfortably that way."

"I shall see to it, Julia."

She nodded and stepped back, allowing Barnabas to get Willie on his feet and assist him from the room. When they were out of sight, Julia moved to the heavily draped windows of the drawing room and pushed one aside, staring into the darkness beyond, calmly accepting what was to be her fate come daybreak. She would welcome it.

Long tapered fingers moved in ritualistic circles over the black wax tapers, a voice murmuring the words of an ancient prayer in a language which was no longer known but to a very small, select few, loyal followers of an ancient belief.

* * * * *

Dawn was less than half an hour away when Barnabas returned to the drawing room of the Old House to find Julia sitting in the chair by the fireplace, a distant look in her eyes. How many nights had she entered this same room to find him sitting so, his thoughts on events and people of long ago. She smiled sadly and looked up as Barnabas neared.

"How is Willie?"

"He seems to be sleeping soundly."

"I won't disturb him, Barnabas, and he will be fine ... very soon."

"Yes... Julia, I..."

He met her eyes and was unable to continue, turning his gaze to the fading embers in the fireplace. He heard her stand and come up behind him, hand resting on his arm.

"Barnabas, I would rather it be by your hand than to be hunted down and destroyed by someone who did not know me, did not care or understand; someone who destroyed me out of fear and ignorance rather than understanding, compassion, and ... friendship."

"I wish there were some other way, Julia."

"As do I, but we both know there is not. Eric Lang is dead and the complete course of your cure went to the grave with him. Had I been given more time, I might have been able to discover and duplicate his methods, but I was not. So now it must be this way - I want it to be this way."

"It shall be as you ask, Julia. You have my word."

"Thank you, Barnabas... I'd better go."

"No, Julia."

"Barnabas, dawn is nearly here."

"Julia,... stay here. It will be easier for me if ... you are here."

"But I have no place to ... rest."

"Yes, there is a place for you, Julia. I never ... disposed of my coffin. It is still in the cellar."

Seeing this meant a great deal to Barnabas, Julia nodded. She knew how very difficult this next day would be for him, and she did not wish to make it more so. Barnabas silently lowered his head once and Julia followed him toward the door leading to the cellar. She had been through it and down the worn stone stairs more times than she could count. It was oddly comforting to be doing so now, for the very last time.

Barnabas said nothing as he led Julia down the stairs and through the room she had chosen as her laboratory so very long ago, then down a seldom used hallway to the room where he had stored his coffin. Candles illuminated the room and Barnabas reluctantly opened the door.

Julia stepped through, eyes resting on the coffin which had confined Barnabas for so long, which had been his shelter and his prison. Now it was to be hers, for a few, brief hours.

Feeling a coldness creep through her as dawn approached, Julia turned to Barnabas and smiled sadly.

"Thank you, Barnabas."

"Goodbye, Julia."

He met her eyes, then took her hand, bowed over it and kissed it. Without another word Barnabas left the room and closed the door behind him. He bit back a sob of angered despair as he listened to the creaking hinges whose sound he knew so well. When the creaking ceased, Barnabas fell heavily against the wall, wishing it were he back in there about to be destroyed rather than Julia.

Taking a deep breath to control his anger and grief, Barnabas straightened, squared his shoulders and retraced his steps back through the cellar. He would keep his promise to Julia Hoffman but first he had other matters - in an abandoned crypt on the edge of the cemetery - to deal with. He would end Jennings' suffering first.

The deep, precise voice grew more intense, louder with each pass of the hands over the candles. The language of the ancient prayer became more exact, rhythmic and finally climaxed with a loud, resonant note followed by immediate silence. The black tapers seemed to snuff themselves out, then an intense moan filled the silence, followed by the sound of clattering candles as they were tipped over. The person belonging to the voice slumped unconscious as dawn broke.

Willie Loomis moaned as if in pain and jerked in his sleep, but did not awaken. As the sun rose, his dreams were filled with images he had once thought a memory.

Barnabas Collins stepped into the crypt dimly lit by the early morning sunshine streaming through the stained and leaded glass windows. He allowed his human eyes to adjust to the lighting, then closed the door behind him. Mallet in one hand, finely sharpened stake in the other, he descended the steps to stand beside the two coffins. One he knew belonged to Tom Jennings. The other had - for a day - held Julia Hoffman. He could only hope the second one was empty this morning.

Taking a deep breath, Barnabas stepped closer to the coffin nearest him and slowly eased the lid off. He sighed with relief to find it empty, and to be sure it stayed that way, he placed a silver crucifix on the pillow. No vampire would ever be able to use it again.

Closing the lid, Collins moved to the second coffin. He again took a deep breath and eased the lid up, to find himself staring down at the dead visage of Tom Jennings. Unable to think of anything but the fact this creature was responsible for Julia's death, Barnabas raised the stake and positioned it over Jennings' heart. He adjusted his grip, then brought the mallet down once, twice, three times, driving it deep into the vampire's heart. Jennings released an agonized scream, then was silent, at rest in the peace of true death.

Closing the coffin lid, Barnabas leaned on it as he took a deep breath to compose himself, then straightened. His task was only half finished.

Having delayed fulfillment of his promise to Julia Hoffman as long as he dared, Barnabas grasped the second stake he had fashioned and began a slow walk down the hallway to where Julia rested. Sundown was two hours away, and she would be at peace before dusk settled.

Willie Loomis woke slowly, feeling odd, not at all like he expected to feel, as past experience had taught him was the norm. He glanced out the window of his room, realizing the time of day it was. He knew she was in danger and he could not allow it to happen.

Jumping from his bed, Willie dashed from his room and ran for the Old House cellar, somehow knowing she was there. He could not let Barnabas do it!

Barnabas entered the cellar room slowly. The candles had all gone out. It was just as well. He did not wish to see the expression in Julia's eyes if she should happen to realize he was near and open them.

Willie would never know it, but he was right. Barnabas did love Julia, and it was that love which made this task he must perform so very difficult. He did not want to subject her to an existence she could not bear, an existence he himself had loathed. Neither did he want to have Julia no longer sharing his life. She had become such an important daily part of his life he could not tolerate the idea of being without her. But he must. He had given Julia his word he would do this for her and so he would.

One more step brought Barnabas beside the coffin in which he had spent endless days in death and endless nights in agony. With trembling hands he reached out to raise the lid, and gazed down at the peaceful features of the woman he cared so deeply for. Shaking his head, wishing things could have happened so differently, Barnabas brought the stake up to rest over Julia's heart. As it touched the material of her dress, he thought he saw her breath, thought he saw an involuntary reaction to the touch of the wooden spear, but he was mistaken. It was his imagination, his wanting her to be alive instead of this half-dead state she had been condemned to.

"Rest, Julia. Find peace and happiness."

Barnabas raised the mallet to strike and was about to bring it down when he heard Willie's anguished, panicked cry echo through the stone hallways of the Old House. Trying to ignore him, knowing Willie had to try and protect Julia, Barnabas closed his eyes, took a deep breath and moved his arm just as Willie's voice became clear.

"No! Barnabas, don't! You'll kill her! She ain't a vampire no more!"

Barnabas' head jerked up as Willie rushed into the room and grabbed his arm, spinning him away from the coffin while throwing the stake into a dark corner of the room.

"Willie..."

"Barnabas, you can't! She's alive, she ain't a vampire no more!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Somehow she's human again, Barnabas, I'm tellin' you! Look here, see... see...!"

Willie clawed at the bandage around his wrist and pulled it away, revealing unmarked skin where Barnabas had seen Julia sink her fangs into his flesh. Puzzled, confused, Barnabas pulled Willie to the side of the room and lit a candle. He examined both of Willie's wrists carefully, bewildered.

"I don't understand, Willie. How is this possible?"

"I don't know, Barnabas, but you can't do it! You can't!"

Lighting several more candles, Barnabas moved them closer to the coffin so he could see Julia better. She looked human. Her skin was no longer white and she breathed easily, steadily, as if only asleep. Barnabas reached to touch her cheek. It was warm, and the pulse at her wrist, on her neck was strong and steady.

"Willie..."

"Is she gonna be okay, Barnabas?"

"I ... do not know, Willie. I have never encountered this before... How could..."

"Maybe... we should get her out of here, Barnabas, so she won't be scared when she wakes up."

"The sun has not yet set."

"It don't matter, I'm tellin' you. And if I'm wrong, well, the sun will just ... do what she wanted done anyhow, won't it?"

Barnabas studied Julia's face for a long moment, his hand resting atop hers as she lay there, and he nodded.

"Help me get her upstairs, Willie."

Loomis nodded and moved closer to assist Barnabas in lifting Julia from the coffin.

Minutes later they had her upstairs and Barnabas laid her gently on the bed in Josette's room. She had not reacted at all to the sun when it struck her face as they carried her into the room, and Barnabas was only now beginning to accept the reality of Julia being human again.

"Here, Barnabas."

Willie handed him a crocheted afghan to place over Julia and he did so lovingly, then drew up a chair in order to sit beside her by the bed. Collins reached for her hand and held it tenderly, his eyes never once leaving her face. Loomis smiled knowingly to himself, then decided maybe it would be a good idea if he were somewhere else when Julia woke up.

"Barnabas, I'm gonna get some more wood for the fire, and make something for her to eat. I bet she'll be hungry when she wakes up."

"Yes, thank you, Willie."

Loomis nodded and hurried from the room. He studied his wrist, just as puzzled and confused as Barnabas, but overjoyed he had gotten to the cellar in time.

A deep, soothing yet commanding voice called to the figure sprawled among the black tapers just as the sky faded from twilight to darkness. The figure stirred, instinctively responding to the voice.

She opened her eyes slowly, confused images sweeping through her brain, passing through her memory. The last thing she clearly recalled was working late in the Old House cellar and hearing someone come up behind her. After that the memories were confusing, jumbled together, mingling, entwining and indistinguishable from reality. Something had happened to her. Something painful, something terrifying, something loathsome... Julia took a deep breath, crying out. She remembered. Oh, God, she remembered it all!

"No!!..."

"Julia...."

His firm, comforting voice cut through her panic as gentle, restraining hands grasped her shoulders, easing her back to the bed. She sought his eyes, finding assurance in them, and relaxed under his hands.

"Barnabas."

"It's all right now, Julia. You're safe."

More of her vampire life came back to her and Julia grew angry, turning her eyes on Barnabas.

"Why am I here, Barnabas? You gave your word I would not rise again tonight."

"And I was prepared to keep my word to you, Julia, until Willie stopped me. He kept me from murdering you."

"How can you murder someone who is.. is all ready dead?"

"But you are not, Julia. Somehow you have been made human again."

"What?"

Smiling as he met Julia's disbelieving eyes, Barnabas handed her a small mirror and watched with amused affection as she stared at him, then slowly lowered her gaze to the looking glass. A relieved laugh escaped her lips when Julia saw her own image looking back at her, saw her teeth were the same length they had always been. She looked up to meet his gaze as he reached for her hand, holding it firmly.

"Barnabas, how?"

"I don't know, Julia, but whoever - or whatever - is responsible, has my eternal gratitude and thanks. I could not bear for you to no longer be a part of my life."

Julia blushed slightly and glanced down, remembering a similar moment when she had come to fully realize and understand Barnabas' feelings for her. She felt him squeeze her hand, and Julia swallowed, meeting his gaze again.

"Thank you, Barnabas."

"It was not my doing, and had it not been for Willie... He stopped me just in time, Julia."

"How did he know?"

"The marks on his wrist were gone when he woke up. And he must have sensed the lack of control again."

"Yes.... Barnabas, who could have done this? And why?"

"I do not know, Julia. Perhaps we will never know... How do you feel?"

"Tired, weak... Jennings?"

"At rest?"

"And Willie?"

"He's fine."

Both turned their heads toward the door as Willie entered with an armload of firewood at that moment. He paused a second, realizing attention was focused on him, then smiled, seeing Julia awake.

"Willie."

"Julia.... how you feelin'?"

"I'll be fine, Willie. Barnabas tells me it was you who stopped him. I owe you my life - again - Willie."

Embarrassed, not liking when he was the center of attention, he ducked his head and deposited his load by the fireplace, then rubbed his hand across his hair and down the back of his neck, shrugging his shoulders as he slipped his hands into his pants pockets.

"Well, I couldn't let Barnabas ... you know, not when you wasn't no more."

"I'll never be able to repay you, Willie."

"Nor I, Willie. Thank you."

Loomis shrugged again as he looked at Barnabas and Julia, realizing for the first time they were still holding hands. Barnabas seemed very at ease about it, not aware - or perhaps not caring - that Willie saw, and he smiled to himself. Maybe there was hope for Barnabas after all.

"Hey, Julia, are you hungry? I've got some soup on. It's chicken."

"That would be very nice, Willie, thank you."

"I'll go get you some. Be right back."

He turned and hurried out of the room, smiling more widely. Yeah, maybe there was hope for those two.

Barnabas watched the man leave the room, then turned back to Julia, smiling. She returned the smile, but it faded slowly as a less than comforting thought occurred to her.

"What it is, Julia?"

"I was just thinking, Barnabas. What of the vampire who created Tom Jennings?"

He nodded, studying her troubled eyes.

"Yes, we are not out of danger yet."

Julia watched Barnabas' reaction, then glanced down at his hand, which still held hers. She smiled.

Nicholas Blair stood and turned to face the caped and hooded source of his Master's deep and commanding voice. His prayer had been answered, his incantation successful. The woman doctor was human again, released from her brief vampire fate, and would fulfill her destiny in the Matser's plan as she had unknowingly been chosen to do. Neither she nor Barnabas Collins would ever know how Julia Hoffman had come to be 'cured', but he, Nicholas Blair, would always know, and would pay the price for it. It was in the Master's plan.

Taking a deep breath, Blair looked up to meet his Master's gaze. The Master would be pleased his plan had not been seriously disrupted and would soon be headed toward completion, but Blair knew he himself was far from out of danger. He must now explain how Julia Hoffman had fallen prey to a vampire, one made by the vampire, Angelique, of whom Nicholas had custody. He exhaled the breath he'd taken earlier and stood straight. He was ready.

* * * * *

* * * * *

Terry S. Bowers

May 24, 1992

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