Van Helsing (Cont.)

We'll see what occasion arises, Lestat pondered, imagining the idea in his mind for John to see. I did leave some things... unsaid...

 

"It was," Anna confirmed, looking at it and seeing only Edward on the couch. "Your friends figured out something my father could not."

Hannah settled against Edward, her head on his shoulder. Why am I not surprised? She smiled.

John grit his teeth. Let me guess: For her protection?

Beatrice bit her lip, unsure of what to do. She stopped at the edge of the trees, and looked at how the buildings were arraged in a nearly full circle around a deep well. I don't really know how do this... Jinx only taught me with animals...

 

Van Helsing smiled. "You helped," he added to Anna. "Right now, I think we should let Carl here look through some of your books if you don't mind... we should be as prepared as we can before messing with that thing."

 

Edward chuckled at Hannah's thought and then shut his mouth. "What is a map that turns into a mirror supposed to help us with? Carl, can you really find something about that in a book?"

 

No, Lestat laughed at John, his attention turning to Beatrice. Just for me... now, if you excuse me, my latest child seems lost...

He turned his head, walking carefully through the wet forest floor. In need of assistance, little one? he sent to Beatrice, his amusement clear in his tone.

 

Hannah looked at the mirror. "Hm," She stood up, her head tilted to one side, still looking at the mirror.

"Well I can-" Carl looked at Hannah. "Hannah, is there something-"

"Shh," Hannah murmured, going closer to the mirror, feeling pulled there.

"What is it?" Anna asked.

"I'm not sure," Hannah said quietly, reaching out to the mirror.

"Don't touch it," Carl warned. "We don't know what it is."

"It's not a mirror," Hannah mumbled.

Um... yes. Beatrice admitted. I... I'm not really sure what... I should do...

 

"Yes," Van Helsing agreed, stepping next to Hannah. "I thought so earlier, but..." He faded off, looking to Carl.

 

Edward rose but stayed with the back of his knees touching the couch, ready to step forward if he needed to.

 

Do not worry, Lestat soothed, stepping up behind Beatrice. "You see that town?" he began aloud, putting his hands on her shoulders and nodding his head out where her eyes gazed. "There are plenty people there that would not be missed if you found them tonight."

 

"We really should just leave it be for now," Carl said.

Hannah ignored Carl and reached out to the mirror, the tips of her fingers passing through it. "It's a door," She breathed, pulling her hand back.

Anna tried to keep her composure. "You think it's his door?"

"Are... are you sure?" Beatrice asked.

 

Van Helsing copied Hannah's movement, smiling at how the glass seemed to ripple and move past his fingers. "It must be," he whispered in response to Anna, not looking at her. "But it's cold!" He pulled his hand away, fresh snow and ice covering his leather sleeve.

 

"Leave it!" Edward insisted. "I'd listen to Carl if I were you, Van Helsing." He stepped forward and pulled Hannah back toward him, running his palms over her cold fingers.

 

"Oh, yes," Lestat crooned happily. "The bars," he continued, pointing over her shoulder. "Those well-lit, bigger buildings there... see? All the good people are in bed by now, since the sun has gone down. There are many people in those awful places that we can find and not feel bad about. That is... if you're ready to live, to feel alive like you never have before. It's up to you, little Bee."

 

"It's not cold to me," Hannah sighed, but enjoyed the warmth of Edward's hands.

Anna tensed at Hannah's words. "Well," She looked at Carl. "What do you think?"

"It's best we know as much as we can," Carl answered. "And I don't think we should do too much without Michael and Beatrice."

Beatrice's stomach twisted and she nodded.

 

"What could they have to contribute at this point?" Van Helsing sighed, and then yawned, realizing it was late.

 

"Sleep would be something you mortals need," Edward replied. "Everyone else here needs to rest as well, though not as much, it seems."

 

Lestat smiled. "Shall we?" he asked, and started forward, draping Beatrice's hand over his forearm and walking forward. "The nearest building," he said, inclining his head to a noisy, brick edifice in front of them. "When we go in, head in your own direction. I can find some interesting... people for us. A boy or a girl?" he asked suddenly, looking down at her.

 

"You know I don't like sleeping," Hannah said quietly, lowering her eyes to the floor.

"There's a bedroom down the hall, third door on the left," Anna told Van Helsing.

Beatrice was quiet for a moment. "It... doesn't really matter," She said eventually.

 

Van Helsing nodded. "I was actually hoping to have a drink before sleeping," he spoke, catching Anna's eye.

 

"You don't have to worry about nightmares if I'm here," Edward soothed, taking both her hands now. "Trust me."