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"In any case, I had no doubts. And that is how we got to that point. As soon as I was certain that something had in fact occurred to the lady, I began looking into other situations that were similar to hers. Although there weren't a lot of them, they were nonetheless there in the world. People who have previous experiences with vampires.

"In any case, I had no doubts. And that is how we got to that point. As soon as I was certain that something had in fact occurred to the lady, I began looking into other situations that were similar to hers. Although there weren't a lot of them, they were nonetheless there in the world. People who have previous experiences with vampires.

Elizabeth cut in to the conversation by saying, "But you've never truly seen a vampire." "I mean, up to this point. Is that what you mean?"

"Well-no. Not in person, to put it another way. On the other hand, I've written monographs and other stuff." His voice gradually became softer.

Elizabeth scratched her chin nervously. "What were you doing with the dogs?" she questioned. "I was just wondering." "In the chapel, when you were gesticulating and waving your hands at them."

"Oh..." Alaric had an ashamed expression. "You should know that I've picked up a few things here and there throughout the years. An ancient mountain man taught me how to cast the magic in order to protect myself from evil. I believed it had a chance of succeeding."

Dominic said, "There is a great deal more for you to learn."

"Obviously," Alaric said in a brusque manner. Then he made a scowling face. "In point of fact, I became aware of it the moment I set foot in this location. Your headmaster, Mr. Brian Newcastle, was familiar with my name. He was aware of the research that I carry out. When Tanner was murdered, Dr. Feinberg discovered that the corpse had no blood and that there were teeth marks on the victim's neck, well, they gave me a call. I was under the impression that it would be a fortunate break for me—a situation in which the vampire was still present in the neighborhood. Once I arrived, I discovered that they expected me to take care of the vampire, which was the main issue. They were unaware that in the past I had exclusively worked with those who had been victimized. And... well, maybe I was in over my head with what needed to be done. However, I tried all in my power to live up to their expectations."

Elizabeth suggested that you had lied about it. "When I heard you talking to them at your home about discovering our purported hideaway and other such topics, it was exactly what you were doing at the time. You weren't doing any planning at all."

"Well, not quite," answered Alaric in response. "If you want to talk theory, I'm an expert." After that, he gave it a second thought. What exactly do you mean when you say that you overheard me speaking with them?

Dominic told him in a sarcastic tone, "While you were out hunting for a lair, she was sleeping in your attic." "While you were off seeking for a lair." Alaric gave a little smile before quickly closing his lips again.

Katherine expressed her curiosity by stating, "What I'd want to know is how Merit fits into all of this." He did not seem to be smiling.

Merit, who had been absentmindedly staring at the disorganized stack of papers on Alaric's desk during all of this, suddenly glanced up. She maintained a level tone, showing no signs of emotion.

"You see, I was able to identify him. Because it had been over three years since I'd last seen him, I first was unable to recall where I'd seen him. After then, I had the realization that it was at Grandpa's hospital. Katherine, everything I conveyed to those gentlemen was absolutely accurate. Someone that looked like a vampire assaulted my granddad."

After a brief pause, Merit continued speaking without further interruption. "It occurred a very long time ago.


years ago, long before I was even born. Even though he didn't get serious injuries as a result of it, he was never completely well again. He evolved into someone who was, in a way, comparable to Vickie but far more aggressive. They had reached the point where they feared that he might hurt either himself or someone else. They thus sent him to a medical facility, which would ensure his protection."

years ago, long before I was even born. Even though he didn't get serious injuries as a result of it, he was never completely well again. He evolved into someone who was, in a way, comparable to Vickie but far more aggressive. They had reached the point where they feared that he might hurt either himself or someone else. They thus sent him to a medical facility, which would ensure his protection."

"I know. I had the ability to... but I chose not to. The family has, or at least attempted to, keep this information a secret for such a long time. According to what was written in Caroline's journal, it is clear that she had heard. The problem is that none of Granddad's listeners ever believed his tales about the vampire. They just believed it to be another one of his many hallucinations, considering how often he had them. Even I was having trouble believing them until Katherine showed up. Then, I don't know when, my mind began to piece together stray pieces of information. But until you were here again, Elizabeth, I couldn't really trust what I was considering to be true."

Elizabeth said, "I'm amazed you didn't hate me," as she was leaving the room.

"How could I possibly? I am familiar with both you and Katherine. I am aware that you are not malicious." Merit didn't even give Dominic a sideways look; for all the acknowledgement she showed him, it was almost as if he hadn't been there at all. "But when I recalled Alaric having a conversation with Granddad when he was in the hospital, I realized that he wasn't either. I just did not have a clear idea of how to get all of you together to demonstrate it."

Alaric responded by saying, "I didn't recognize you either." "The elderly guy went by a different name; you do realize that he is your mother's father, don't you? And it's possible that I saw you loitering about the waiting room at some point, but back then, you were merely a little child with slender legs. You have developed, "He said while expressing gratitude.

A sharp sounding cough came from Denis.

Elizabeth was attempting to put the pieces of the puzzle together in her head. "So, if you hadn't told those guys to be out there with a stake, what were they doing?"

"In order to hypnotize Caroline, it was necessary for me to first get permission from her parents. I then informed them of what I had discovered. However, if you believe that I had anything to do with what took place tonight, you couldn't be more incorrect. I had no idea that such a thing existed."

Merit said, "I've informed him about what we've been doing, how we've been searching for the Other Power." "And he is willing to provide a hand."

Alaric spoke his words with some trepidation, "I said I may assist."

Katherine said, "You're totally wrong." "You are either on our side or you are opposed to us. Even though I appreciate what you did out there by talking to those guys, the fact that you were the one who sparked a lot of this issue in the first place can't change the fact that I'm appreciative for what you did. You must now make a choice: do you support us or do you support them?"