Down the stairs. There is work to do.

You start down the stairs. Your head reels with emotion and unharnessed thought from your encounter.

"I did the right thing." You say to yourself. "I'll do whatever it takes to win."

Even as you say, the ramifications weigh on your mind. Whatever it takes?

You focus your senses, reminding yourself you are still in enemy territory. Depriving the Vampire of her magical asset will be an important boon, but you need to stay sharp.

The narrow stairs spiral around, and around. Against the walls of the tower, you are reminded of the violent storm just outside. The wind and rain lay siege to the castle. Outside the room, the air is cool and the lighting is dim.

Winding corridors and endless steps bring you to a stone archway. Through it, you see a spacious room. It is the main hall. To your right you once again see the main entrance, an open gate out into the world. Looking out the door to your left, a wide set of steps rises up towards a decorated archway. An ornate onyx door spans a large portion of the wall, and inside you here commotion. The throne room. Across the hall, you see a simple wooden door. Shriveled vines lie at its base, signs of a recently discarded magic. This path should lead to other places in the castle.

You admire the main hall. Large statues, detailed tapestries, and metal chairs line the walls of this chamber. The statues and tapestries are macabre works, depicting women in horrible predicaments. Their faces and bodies are contorted. Most are restrained painfully, twisted and bent in odd ways.

One of the works you recognize. The stone figure is kneeling, with her tattooed arms chained around her back. She looks upwards with an expression of pained lust.

She is free now.

The paintings, featuring various depictions of the Vampire Queen, mock you. Her imposing figure stir deep emotions in you. Each work is a warning: This is your fate. Your heart races at the intrusive thoughts that pass through your mind.

You imagine yourself bound at her feet, servicing her with all your mind and body. You try to suppress the thoughts. You should never have tested your vows. Dark things are awakening inside you.

You decide to move on. Best not to linger. The way is clear, the room seems empty.