Janus had barely a moment to leap from the rock before it and the trees lost their metaphorical patience and returned beneath the sea. Clutching his heart after how near he came to the water, Janus glanced over his shoulder to see that only Ellie—and Gerald atop her shoulder—had witnessed the spectacle. But the glaring difference between them was that he was genuinely concerned for his lord while she merely simpered.

“What’s that all about?” she asked, her tone carrying a sardonic hint.

“I’ll tell you later,” he said under his breath, then stepped toward her family. “I apologize for the necessary detour. You must all be exhausted.”

“Tell me about it,” Lillian squeaked with a yawn. “We’d have all been in bed by now.”

“What’s it been, about two hours?” Bram asked.

“At least that, so I’ll waste no further time and escort you to my home, where you can rest.” Janus turned to the road up a small slope running parallel to the shore and clapped twice. From the ground emerged two blue, spectral horses followed by a full carriage—thankfully corporeal.

“Triad’s Mercy!” Vena shouted. “Are we supposed to ride in that?”

Irwin put his hands together and begged. “Gods, say ‘yes’.”

“The alternative is to walk, and the distance is over a mile.” Janus clasped his hands behind his back. “I think we can all agree that we’ve had just about enough walking for the day.”

Janus motioned his arm outward to the carriage and Lillian bolted for it. The others were soon to follow while Ellie and Janus took their time. She caressed the back of Janus’s hand and smiled at him, the mere sight of which brimmed his heart with elation. But the joy was brief, as their moment was promptly interrupted by complaints of hunger and exhaustion from the passenger on Ellie’s shoulder.

After conjuring a spectral coachman with a mere wave of his hand and giving him their destination, Janus scanned over the passengers to make sure all were in attendance. He, Ellie, and Irwin were on one side, while Vena, Bram, and Lillian were on the other. And of course, Gerald was properly situated on Ellie’s lap. The carriage started homeward and Janus fetched his pocket watch to see the time reading midday. The hands ticked accurately, after having spun abnormally fast since entering the Prime Realm—an effect he didn’t consider yet was fascinated by.

“You said we’re going to your home?” Vena asked, giving the plush seating a squeeze.

“That’s correct. It’s just outside of Haven, the largest settlement in the land.” Janus folded his hands on his lap. “We have more than enough space to accommodate all of you, and the staff will be happy to prepare your meals, or wash and provide you with clothes. And should you need to stave off boredom, there are numerous activities you can engage in throughout the various rooms.”

The sudden, sincere laugh that burst from Vena gave Janus a self-conscious twinge.

“Did I say something strange?”

“I’m sorry, just—” Vena shook her head. “You make it sound like we’re going to a castle.”

“You are.”

Varied reactions came from each member of the family; shock, excitement, disbelief. Ellie couldn’t hold back a smirk, knowing that whatever images her family thought up of the castle would no doubt be far from its dark and enchanting glamour.

“You really did bag a rich one, huh?” Lillian added.

Ellie dragged a hand down her face. “You need to stop saying that.”

“I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised,” Vena said with a chuckle. “After all, don’t vampires usually live in castles, or is that all hearsay?”

“Right, you said you’re a vampire!” Lillian cried. “Can I see your fangs?”

“You better watch your back,” Ellie growled.

An awkward laugh rumbled from Janus’s throat. “I’d prefer not to bare my fangs unless absolutely necessary. It’s not particularly flattering.”

“All the magic you’ve used has been so fascinating.” Irwin was in his own little world as the conversation went on around him. “What other spells do you know? Can you show me?”

Janus had only just opened his mouth to reply when Bram leaned forward and rested his chin atop his locked fingers.

“So, let’s just be clear; you’re courting Ellie, aren’t you?”

Ellie slapped her hands over her face and burrowed into them with a whimper, leaving poor Janus to reply to the awkward question on his own.

“I, ah, believe we are beyond courting.”

“Why would you say that?” Ellie wailed, then glared at Janus from between her fingers when he chuckled. “What!”

“I’m sorry, Ellie, it’s just that the way you described your family is precisely on point.”

Only a second after another whine slipped from her daughter, Vena brought her hand to her heart and gasped in blithesome shock. “And just how exactly did you describe us?”

“Gods. Have. Mercy.” Ellie sank into the carriage seat. “Nothing matters anymore. The longer this goes on, the more likely I am to die right here. My epitaph will say that my family and my lover worked together to kill me through the sheer power of embarrassment.”

“Aha!” Bram thrust a finger at his daughter. “So the two of you are together!”

Everyone erupted into laughter except for Ellie, who pouted at the fun being made at her expense. Her only ally left was Gerald, and even he occasionally snickered from the contagious frivolity.

Once everything died down and even Ellie had cracked a smile, Vena extended her hand to Janus. His mouth fell open just a tad and he stared incredulously at her hand before lightly shaking it with his own.

“I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting,” she said. “Maybe I was wrong. You seem like a good man who cares a lot for Ellie.”

Janus’s smile was parted by a relieved breath, and he reached to shake the hand of Bram that was extended to him. Receiving even such basic trust was more than he’d hoped for in such a short time. But Janus knew there was far more work ahead if he wanted Ellie’s family to accept and trust him completely.

“I never thought I’d meet an actual vampire,” Lillian mused, trying to touch Janus’s hand as he shook her father’s before he shooed her away. “But you’re not really what I expected.”

“I’m something of an outlier among my kind,” Janus replied. “Especially if the myths that Ellie shared with me are what most people believe.”

“Have you ever bitten her?”

A unsettling, cold weight filled the carriage as everyone fell silent. The looks painting her parents’ faces as they considered the implications was the last straw. Ellie threw down her hands.

“All right.” She gripped the handle of the door beside her siblings. “I’m throwing you out.”

“Ellie, don’t be so dramatic!” Irwin yelled, holding his sister back as Gerald plopped from her lap into his with a yelp. It seemed impossible to stop her, but the carriage thankfully came to a complete stop just before she barged through the door, as they’d arrived at their destination.

The black castle greeted its guests with its impressive stature and Gothic detailing. Ellie gazed up at her second home as though she’d been parted from it for years. But to the rest, the structure was a source of awe, bewilderment, and uncertainty. Though just as Ellie had found comfort in the castle during her time there, she knew her family would find the same in due time.

“I will have rooms prepared for you, but first I ask that you rest in the parlor,” Janus said, stepping between the family and the stairs to the castle gate. “The staff can provide you with food or drink, should you need it, but I imagine sleep is at the forefront of your minds.”

Bram chuckled. “It certainly is for me.”

“Then I will ready the beds and make sure that you have comfortable sleepwear.” He glanced over his shoulder to the staircase. “Do you need assistance?”

“Irwin and I can help him,” Vena said. “But thank you for the offer.”

“Then I will go on ahead and make the preparations. But at least allow me to carry your satchels inside.” Janus took each one in his hands and over his shoulders and trotted up the stairs.

Step by step, Vena and Irwin supported Bram by keeping hold of his back and arms. The moment Lillian turned away from Ellie, she seized the opportunity to exact revenge and charged at her little sister. Ellie then wrapped her arms around Lillian’s waist when she turned to face her and heaved the tiny girl over her shoulder with a triumphant cackle.

“You’re all mine, tree frog! Now you’re at my mercy!”

Elation squealed from Lillian as she squirmed, but Ellie kept her firmly hoisted and heaved up the stairs one at a time. She couldn’t help but chuckle when she overheard Irwin comment to their mother about how Ellie’s arms could withstand against such flailing.

Janus peeked out from between the gate doors and smirked at the sight of Ellie hauling her sister like a bag of potatoes.

“My, so those muscles weren’t just for show, then?” He winked at her.

“Back so soon?” Ellie panted, her chest swelling with pride at the remark. “Must be that vampiric speed.”

Janus tutted at the cheeky remark. “I had hoped that Elise was nearby; I wanted to speak to her and would rather not go sprinting about the whole castle. I’m quite tired myself, you know.” His attention was drawn to Bram, who lifted himself up the final step with a phenomenal sigh. “Are you certain that you need no further assistance?”

“Yeah, could you tell Ellie to let me down?” Lillian said, her request falling on deaf ears.

“Oh, no no.” Bram shook his hands. “Well, not unless you’ve got one of those, uh, wheelchairs?”

“Not to my knowledge, but I’ll check the storerooms nonetheless. If not, I’ll have one commissioned.”

Janus gave the gate door another push, allowing more room for the family to enter into the Great Hall. They slowed considerably and gawked at the black and gold marble room. Statues hoisted their lit candelabras in welcome and shone brilliant light in the otherwise dim, gorgeous foyer.

Vena gasped and turned all around. “This hardly seems real. How do I know I’m not dreaming?” She winced when Ellie gave her arm a slight pinch.

“Curious.” Janus glanced around the Great Hall and crossed his arms. “Where has Gerald gone?”

“I’m here,” came a quiet, muffled voice. “I’m just sleepy.”

Everyone searched for the source of the voice. Ellie then became aware of the tug at her cloak’s hood. She reached back and gave the sag a soft squeeze and received a tiny squeak of protest in return.

“You can’t keep treating my hood as a mobile bed.”

“But you were thrashing about and making such a ruckus.” Gerald slunk out to Ellie’s shoulder and gave a great yawn. “I was tired of being flopped around and it seemed the safest spot to nap after exhausting myself with that spell. Oh, but to be home in my comfy bed right now.”

“Then you’ll not like what I’m about to ask of you,” Janus said, then waited for Gerald to finish groaning before resuming. “May I ask you to seek out Elise so that I can escort them to the parlor?”

“Can’t you do it? I mean, the parlor’s right there and—” The glare Janus shot him brought Gerald’s protest to an immediate end. “All right.”

He flopped from Ellie’s shoulder and waddled down the corridor, lazily and whiningly calling for the caretaker and giving no mind to Ellie bidding him a good night.

The family followed Janus to the nearby parlor and entered ahead of him and Ellie. Just as she was about to join them in their wowed commentary, Janus pulled her aside and lowered his voice to nearly a whisper.

“May I step away for a moment? I’ve another room in mind for your father.”

“Of course, but why?”

He sighed and gestured to the stairs in the Great Hall. “I’m not making the poor man climb those stairs every single day just to go to and from the guest rooms. The other room is here on the first floor, but it hasn’t been used in, well… I’ll not say how long. But first I need to assure that Elise has included its upkeep in her cleaning routine.”

Ellie nodded. “I understand.”

She gave Janus a light push on the shoulder as he started toward the western corridor. After closing the parlor door with a quiet click, Ellie sat beside her brother on the sofa opposite their parents. The upholstery had changed since she last saw it, now replaced by a deep crimson. Ellie stifled a chuckle, knowing it had to be Elise’s doing after the last incident.

“How exciting,” Vena said, taking Bram’s hand in her own as she admired the room. “Never in my life did I think I’d see the inside of a castle.”

“A few leaps ahead of our little home, that’s for sure,” Bram replied.

“Lillian,” Ellie called sternly upon spotting her sister ogling a display case in the corner. “Please don’t touch anything.”

“I wasn’t gonna,” she muttered with mild offense. “I was just looking at this weird spoon.”

With her warning issued, Ellie sank into the sofa and folded her hands in her lap. Now that they had a moment of reprieve, she finally had time to absorb the day’s events and the creeping exhaustion she was hardly holding at bay.

“I’m sorry,” Ellie said. “I never meant for you to find out about everything like this.”

“Is this really where you were during the week—er, months that you were gone?” Irwin asked.

She gave a slow nod. “It was strange and a little scary at first, but I got used to it. The people here were always kind, and I know they’ll be the same to all of you, too.”

“Are you really sure about this, though?” Vena leaned forward and bit her lip. “About—about being with a vampire.”

“Janus has never hurt me, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“That’s good, but, are you sure that’s how you remember it?”

Ellie touched her forehead and sighed. “Yes, I’m certain. And I appreciate the concern, but you’re just gonna have to trust me. Besides; would you be asking this if he weren’t a vampire?”

The room fell silent. Though she felt a twinge of offense, Ellie knew better than to lash out for how her family felt. After all, it was a strange and peculiar situation.

“I know how you feel, believe me. A lot of residents of the Night Realm look different than what we’re used to back home, but they’re really no different than us.”

The door to the parlor opened, and Ellie beamed at the sight of their latest addition and her trend of impeccable timing.

“Elise!” She hopped up from the sofa and faced the skeleton caretaker, expecting a tut and a sassy quip, but was instead pulled into a bony embrace which she returned despite the discomfort.

“Ellie, oh, I’m so glad you’re all right. We were worried sick about you after you were snatched away.”

“I’m sorry I made you worry.” Ellie pulled away from the embrace and Elise briefly cupped her face. She then turned to her family and grinned sheepishly. “This is Elise, the castle’s head caretaker.”

Elise bowed her head. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And no, your eyes do not deceive you; I am indeed a skeleton. So feel free to remove the stunned looks from your faces at your next convenience.”

“Sorry,” Ellie said with a nervous chuckle and rubbed her neck.

“Oh, that’s quite all right. In fact, I think I’m starting to enjoy startling Prime Realm mortals. Makes an otherwise mundane existence a little more exciting.” Elise gave Ellie a playful yet sharp nudge with her elbow. It was then that she noticed their group’s missing member. “Where has Lord Janus gone?”

“He went to look at a guest room on this floor, I think. And to find a wheelchair for my dad.”

“Well, he’ll never accomplish either without my help.” Elise straightened out a wrinkle in her apron. “Do any of you need anything? Some tea or water, some food? A sedative for the small one bouncing on her heels in the corner?”

Vena, Bram, and Irwin’s shock had since softened, but Lillian’s pure, unhindered delight had yet to falter even one iota. Merely looking at the sight was enough to embarrass Ellie.

“I think we’re fine,” she said plainly. “If we change our minds, I’ll let you know.”

“Of course.” Elise nodded. “Then I’ll dismiss myself to assist Lord Janus.”

With the caretaker’s departure, Ellie lowered back into her seat only to be pressed against the sofa arm by Lillian wedging into the small gap between her and her brother. Poor Irwin was shoved away with a grunt and a curse while Lillian gripped her older sister’s sleeve.

“Is she real?”

“What?”

“No, no ‘what’. Is that lady a real skeleton or is she—is she magic, or something?”

Ellie narrowed her eyes and gave her parents a disbelieving glance. “Yes, I’m pretty sure Elise is real.”

Lillian squealed and clapped her hands. “I think I’m gonna like it here!”

The excitement provided levity during their remaining time in the parlor, where the family discussed the Night Realm and the inhabitants of the castle. Ellie figured it best to tell them what she knew beforehand so they could relax with suitable knowledge of the place where they’d be spending an undetermined amount of time—and to not openly discuss the Prime Realm. The information was met mostly with fascination, but an occasional fact or two gave her family cause for concern. Except for Lillian, who might as well have ascended to the heavens.

Ellie was unable to share every last detail before the parlor door opened again with Janus’s return. He smiled softly as he approached and clasped his hands behind his back.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. Regrettably, we could not find a wheelchair. But we’ve prepared a room and have already placed your satchels there. If you could please come with me.”

The family followed him into the corridor and Janus cleared his throat while gesturing to the absolute furthest opposite end.

“Triad’s Mercy,” Bram breathed with an ironic chuckle. “This day is a real test of my vigor.”

Vena stepped behind her husband and put her hands on his shoulder. “Prepare yourself.”

Simply saying it was not enough, especially as she hadn’t given Bram more than a second before swooping beneath him and lifting her husband into her arms, prompting audible surprise from all present. Bram guffawed and clung tightly to his wife while she adjusted her hold.

“Reminds me of our wedding night.”

“Glad I still got it in me.” She winked, then started down the corridor with Irwin and Lillian at her heels.

Janus smirked at Ellie when she closed the parlor door, a look which she returned.

“Must run in the family.”

He patted his upper arm when she raised her brow, and Ellie let out a quiet scoff. It was precisely the reaction Janus had hoped for in return for her earlier quip about his speed. After all, she squandered her opportunity to see it firsthand after the banquet yet still made remarks. Ellie then linked her arm with his and gave it a firm squeeze to get a rise out of him, thus resuming the cycle as the two followed after her family.

They entered the intersection at the far end, it’s intricate woodwork along the banisters framing the marble stairs and the upper balconies in a dark outline amid the light peering through the high window ceiling. Janus approached the door between the gallery and the washroom—the very same which had still been a mystery to Ellie despite her extended stay in the black castle. Finally, she thought, no more rooms would leave her wondering what lie beyond.

And beyond was by no means what she’d anticipated, though she should’ve tempered her expectations given what Janus had said about the room he was preparing. Even so, the grand and fully-furnished—and properly cleaned—bedchamber would’ve been more at home on the second or third floors.

Vena stepped in after having set Bram down and burst out a single laugh. “The walls are very… periwinkle.”

“I apologize for the color.” Janus scratched his chin. “I’ve lived here for four hundred years and still haven’t the foggiest what this room was used for. Perhaps a visitor’s suite? But even the previous inhabitants never used it, and as you can see, Elise has kept it tidy. Most of the furnishings were also covered with cloths.”

He motioned to a large bed decorated in violet blankets, which was situated behind an elegantly carved paneled partition. Next he directed their attention to a spiral staircase in the far corner by the windows.

“This room shall be for you and your family during your stay. There are a few single beds upstairs, as well. Elise will be certain to check on you from time to time if you need anything.”

“This is incredible,” Bram gasped. “If it had a kitchen, it’d be a whole home.”

“There’s even a fireplace, a sitting area, and a writing desk,” Vena listed as she pointed to each. “I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality, Janus.”

“It’s my pleasure, really. And as I’m sure you’re all exhausted, I will leave you to settle in and rest.” He took one step toward the door and raised a finger. “Ah, there’s also a washroom to the immediate right beyond the door.”

Ellie skipped to Janus and pinched his sleeve. “I wanna see my old room.”

“Well, it’s certainly been waiting for you. But don’t you want to stay with your family?”

The simper on her face spoke in lieu of words. With an amused huff, Janus turned and gave the family a respectful bow while Ellie waved goodbye, reassuring them that she’d return later.

Their route to Ellie’s old, tiny bedroom followed the intersection staircase and was quite brief. She pushed the door open, taking in a deep breath of cool air and a deeper look at the familiar sights; the bed draped in burgundy, the old wardrobe, the table where she kept every book she’d taken from the library—none of which had moved an inch since her departure. Even the little container holding the tiny, circular book that Janus had given her in the library was still seated atop the bedside table. It was as though she never left.

Ellie spun on her heel with dramatic flourish and flopped onto the bed.

“It’s funny; I’ve only been gone a few Prime Realm days, but it still feels like I haven’t been here in ages.”

Janus leaned against the bedpost and smiled down at her. “Your absence certainly felt like ages to me. Even if it was just a single month before I saw you again.” He glanced in the direction of the visitor’s suite. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with them?”

“I’m not staying in that periwinkle room,” Ellie snorted. “Besides, they’re easy enough to find.” A great yawn broke her train of thought. “Gods, do I ever need a good sleep.”

“Then I’ll let you rest.”

Ellie pulled Janus’s arm and stood up.

“Excuse me? I’m not staying here, either.” The genuinely puzzled look on his face was almost enough to make her laugh. “While I do love this little room, I think I’m finally ready to upgrade… Assuming the offer still stands?” She tilted her hip to one side demurely and lightly tapped his chest.

A smirk curled on Janus’s face. “It absolutely does,” he muttered, his voice emerging in a low rumble.

“That’s more like it. No need to be so formal now that we’re alone.” Ellie slipped her hands to his shoulders and tenderly guided his lips to hers to meet in a sweet but passionate kiss. Janus traced his fingers up her neck and cupped her face softly in his palms. For a time, their lips remained locked as they indulged in the privacy they’d desperately been yearning for. And with a reluctant breath, they pulled away and wrapped each other into a tight embrace as Janus nestled his face into Ellie’s hair.

“I can’t begin tell you how glad I am that you’re here, and that you’re safe.” His words were broken by light sobs threatening to choke through.

“I’m so sorry I worried you.” Ellie buried into Janus’s chest. “But I’m just so happy that you came after me.”

They stood in the quiet of the little bedchamber and soaked in every moment together. Nearly a minute passed before Ellie finally pushed away, gripped Janus by his shirt, and looked to him with a glint in her eyes.

“I have so many questions. How did you get to the Prime Realm—I mean, aside from Gerald’s magic? How did you survive? Where did you stay? What was that amulet?” She flopped his loosely tied raven hair draped over his shoulder up and down a few times. “Why haven’t you worn your hair like this before? It’s gorgeous!”

“Goodness, so many inquiries from someone so tired.” Janus took Ellie’s hand and gave it a little peck. “And I’d be more than happy to answer them after you’ve rested.”

“Fine, but I will get answers. To that, and to the whole rebellion thing—no, I haven’t forgotten, don’t make that face.”

“All right, all right, let’s go rest.” Janus turned Ellie by the shoulder and gave her a small push to the door. “Later, I’ll have Elise bring your outfits from the wardrobe to my bedchamber.”

“What? No!” Ellie panted and shooed Janus into the corridor first. “Don’t do that, it’s too embarrassing! I’ll come get them, myself.”

“Ahh, you’re adorable when you’re flustered by our love.”

Pursing her lips, Ellie gripped the handle and pulled the door shut behind her. “Humph. Be quiet.”