17 year later

A strong wind blows with great speed the dark clouds in front of the moon and the stars. All is quiet in the small village, and all the lights are out behind the closed shutters. A single street cat skims over the deserted village road and a moth flutter curiously past a lit streetlamp. The last piles of snow slowly turn into slippery puddles as the strong flow of the river drives the ice out of the village with all its force. Here and there, melted snow taps off the old roofs while the chilly wind howls between the narrow streets. A black stray dog slowly wanders the dark alleys seeking shelter from the bitter cold as the church bell chimes twice. There is no sign of life in the small village until a light appears behind the diamond-shaped tower window. The young girl isn't sure what just woke her up. She can't remember a sound that immediately woke her, nor does she have any idea of the intuitive alarm that went off in her head to warn her that she is no longer alone. With all her senses sharpened, she listens to any sound that does not belong there. Waiting for the intruder to make himself known. She's sure it's an intruder. Mother did not have to sneak through the house, nor is it for her to enter their room at this nighttime hour. Her sister is still sleeping peacefully in the second bed. It might as well have been a bird flying through the open window. Whatever it is, something has awakened her, and it will not be without reason. Her eyes narrow as she scans the room for a disturbing shadow or shape that shouldn't be there. Had she imagined it? Had she dreamt? Or was her fantasy playing with her? Could it be that father came back and wanted to surprise them? Or was it just her sister making noise in her sleep? Maybe it was mother who was restless? Or was it Grandma who wanted to see if everything was, okay? Still suspicious, she blows out the candle and lays her head down again. It happened more and more recently that she was awakened in the middle of the night. It was almost as if someone was looking down on her. But each time there was nothing to be found. What is it that causes her anxiety? There must be something that kept her from sleeping, right? A soft smell of burnt wood tickles her nose. She suddenly opens her eyes again. She had never smelled burnt wood in their bedroom before. She slowly sits up again. Her eyes burned from staring into the darkness. There is still no additional presence in the room and yet the feeling remains that she is not alone. Nothing is on fire, she would have noticed this; but where does that smell come from! The harder she squints, the stronger the smell becomes, as if he is approaching. Would grandma forget a candle? Or was something burning in the kitchen? Her heartbeat speeds up when a dark shadow blocks the moon's light. So, there was an intruder! She lays down again anxiously, and tucks her head under the blanket. She lies in silence for a few minutes. Was he gone already? Why would an intruder disappear without anything? So, what's the point of burglary? Why does an intruder invade the bedroom of two teenage girls? Everyone knows that in a house like this gold and jewelry are always in the downstairs rooms. Her heart strained, she bravely spins around and stares into the darkness at the intruder. His white garment reflects in the dim light of the moon. Over the white cotton fabric rests a black coat of arms finished with blood-red edges. A white shield on which three red French lilies adorn hangs over his chest. With a hasty movement, he dives towards her and grips her wrists tightly. Frightened, she tries to get away, but he pins her on the bed under him. The young girl stares nervously into his black eyes. A wicked smile curls around his pink lips as he strokes her cheek with his rough fingers. Why does this feel so weird? Almost soothing. Almost familiar. He brings his lips slowly to her ear and whispers inaudibly; Finally, I found you back. "Who are you"? The chuckles and grips her wrists tightly. "Don't you know," he whispers. Alana shivers and stares at the white streak that interrupts his eyebrows. She drops her gaze at the cotton brim of his garment. The brown leather straps click softly as he lifts his head to look into her bright blue eyes. When he slides his lips into her neck, she makes a hopeless attempt to escape. Shouting, she defends herself against the man who is harassing her in the midst of the night. "Please" she begs softly and desperately tries to lift him. He viciously penetrates the sharp tips of his fangs into her wrist and rubs her jaw with his thumb. "Now I'm sure it's you" he whispers licking his lip and continues; "Alana.".Alana looks at him in shock and makes a hopeless cry for help as he approaches.