She certainly couldn't rely on Fitz and Killian. What a joke they were! Oh, she herself was strong, fast. She might even be able to influence some of the demon's thoughts, but he would more than likely rip her apart. She'd seen him do just that to a vampire--back when he hadn't been playing the dutiful valet.
But battle was not on his mind tonight. So why dress the part? To make her remember? To fortify himself against--what? Her? What was he up to? ...Djinn! Tricksters never to be trusted. ...Except, he'd once kept his word with her.
Bunter: Christine, you cannot stay here. These people aren't able to hold their own against you. It's an unfair battle you're waging here.
Christine: That's the nature of battle, djinni. Power, advantage, superior strength! To win, you need it all!
Bunter: Not here. Not anymore. There is nothing left to win here, and you know it. No challenge at all, luv.
Christine: Don't call me luv!
Bunter: Everything is going to work out, Christine. Trust me one more time.
Christine: ...Just be with me tonight, Majid.
Bunter: Your wish is my command.
Christine: Djinni devil!
But then came the difficult part. Bunter had to ensorcel Christine. It would be the only way to force her to do as Lord Piers required. His genie power was a far more effective option than that carnival device His Lordship had found in town.
Bunter would ensorcel her while she still slept. He told himself this was all in everyone's best interest. But he still felt like the demon Christine kept calling him!
Bunter: It's time to leave, Christine. Come with me to the manor. Lord Wimsel has a way to transport you to your new home and new life.
Christine: Majid, why? You and I could rule Rinn Fada! Who cares about that Wimsel human! Why do you serve him?
Bunter: We serve each other. It's a friendship. I have no desire to rule. You and I? It can't be, luv.
Christine (whispering): Don't call me luv...
_____
At the manor, Piers was waiting in the lab for Bunter to return with the vampire. He was not prepared to see his valet walk in with wings and horns. He had no idea his friend's ancestry included demonic genetics. Most astounding! He would ask for a genetic sample from Bunter later. But first, he had to extract one from the vampire.
Piers: I will need a sample of your DNA, Miss Meaney.
Christine: No!
Piers: It's necessary in order to monitor your hibernation during the journey to your new world.
Christine: And maybe I need a sample from you, Lord Wimsel. Just a pint for the road.
Piers: Stay away from me!
Bunter: Christine, enough. No reason to cause this kind of trouble.
Christine: Really, djinni. Don't you know me by now? I always cause trouble!
Christine: Oh, very well. Goodbye djinni...Majid.
Bunter: Bye, luv.
Christine: You'll make sure Fitz and Kill take care of my parrot, won't you?
Bunter: The bird will be well cared for, Christine.
With a whoosh, the pod closed and vapors filled the chamber. Piers monitored the cryogenic process carefully, using Christine's original DNA as a base of comparison.
When the chamber compression was complete, Piers felt sure that Miss Meaney would be secure inside the pod until she reached her destination.
Bunter: You're sure she'll arrive safely?
Piers: Absolutely. And Dr Synapse will be waiting to activate the decompression procedure once she reaches the Dark Village.
Bunter: Synapse?
Piers: An old professor of mine. Frankly, the man is quite mad, but a genius in his own right. Fear not, I believe he and Miss Meaney actually have a great deal in common. And from what I hear, she will not be the only vampire in her new world.
Piers: Yes, Miss Meaney should be very happy among those more like herself. And as for Rinn Fada, we will have no further trouble from Nosferatu.
Bunter: Good to know, M'Lord.
But on that subject, Piers and Bunter were wrong. They hadn't taken into account Christine's association with Igor Rualski--level 1 criminal, great kisser, commitment issues, excitable...and vampire.
