They stayed at Belak’s for two more days, recuperating. Littlespark was obviously happy to see her father back. She was starting to say a few words, and “Dada” was one of her first. She also started calling Belak “Lalak,” much to the gruff dwarf’s amusement. One evening as Flame Song and Aidan sat by the fire, with Littlespark crawling between them on the floor, Belak stumped in through the door. He was muttering imprecations under his breath.

“What’s wrong, Belak?” Flame Song asked. Aidan continued to stare into the fire. He was still in a dark mood, but seemed to be coming to terms with is life.

Belak grimaced. “Some dwarves don’t have the sense the gods gave a rock.”

Flame Song laughed. “I hope you don’t include yourself among them, my friend.”

“No.” His expression was still sour as he continued. “I know better. And let me tell you two that you’re welcome in my home for a long as you want to stay, but some of those idiots have found out you’re a vampire now, and well, what with those two scouts that were killed, they’re none too happy to have you living in Coppertop. Now I know better, it was that other vampire that killed those two. I mean, I know you Aidan, and I know you wouldn’t go around murdering folks.”

Aidan looked up from the flames. His sapphire eyes were haunted. “What if I did, Belak?”

“What…?” Belak’s expression was puzzled, disbelieving. “You’re telling me that you killed those dwarves?”

“One of them, yes.”

“But why? Aidan, you’re not a killer.”

Aidan looked back at the fire, the light silhouetting his shadowed face. “Because I was in Jander’s power, and couldn’t disobey him.”

“There you see. You’re not a killer.”

“But I am!” Aidan’s words were a snarl of self-torment. The firelight now reflected off of his bared fangs. “Sure, I hated myself for what I did, and I tried every way I could think of to get out of it, but then, then…” He clenched his fists and dropped his head. “Once I started, I enjoyed it. It was… I can’t even tell you how good it was. And it was only after I finished that I came back to my senses. I could do that anytime, to anyone, even one of my friends, I’ve almost done it to Flame Song. And what if I do? What if I lose control?” He shook his head. “I just couldn’t live with that.”

Belak came over to Aidan and put his rough hand on the young aerian’s shoulder. “And that’s why you won’t, lad. You’re a good person, Aidan. I’d trust you with my life. So would any of the Clan. You know that.”

Aidan said nothing. After a long moment of silence, Flame Song spoke. “Belak, I couldn’t agree with you more. But I think that it’s time for us to go. We’ve outstayed our welcome here, and we don’t want to abuse your hospitality. I think that tomorrow we should leave.”

“You know you’re welcome here for as long as you want to stay.”

Flame Song smiled. “I know. But it really is time we went home.”

So it was that the next afternoon Flame Song set out for home with Littlespark snugly bundled up. They reached home just before sunset. Not long after the last rays of light had faded from the sky, Aidan set out after them. He paused at the door to Belak’s house and said, “Thank you Belak, for opening your home to us. And…” he paused a long moment, then said, “Thank you for your trust.”

“What else are friends for?” said the dwarf with a grin. “Now get going.”

Aidan nodded and stepped outside. With a leap and a flash of feathers he was gone into the night sky. He soared through the still night with the stars bright overhead. The wind washing over his wings was freezing, but he didn’t feel the cold. Below he saw the low hill that their house was built under. He circled lower and landed in front of the entry tunnel. He hesitated for a moment at the door. He could turn around and leave. All he would have to do was stay outside until sunrise and it would all be over. But then he thought of Flame Song, and of Littlespark. Flame was right. She shouldn’t have to grow up without her father. With a sigh he opened the door and stepped into the warm firelight.

Inside Flame Song was cradling a sleeping Littlespark. She looked up when he entered and her face lit up with a smile. “Aidan.” The way she said it was so full of love, that Aidan was ashamed of his suicidal thoughts. She loved him, and he loved her. Who was he to try and end that? He smiled a real heartfelt smile for the first time in days. Then he walked over to Flame Song and sat down beside her. He put his arm around her and hugged her. The moment was abruptly broken by a sudden awareness of the scent of Flame’s blood. He hadn’t eaten in days now, and he was very hungry. He jerked away and stood up.

“What is it?”

He shook his head. “Flame, I’m sorry. I… I’m not sure how I can deal with this. I just want to be near you, but when I am, all I can think of is hunger. I don’t want to hurt you! I know how much it hurts now, and I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’ve actually been thinking.” She smiled warmly at him. “There has to be another way for you to get food. I mean does it have to be human blood?”

“Uh… not as far as I know, but then I’m not exactly an expert on Mysterian vampires.”

“Well, what about animal blood then? We can at least try it! I can hunt live prey. I used to help my mother catch rabbits live so she could teach my little brothers how to hunt all the time. I could do the same for you!”

Aidan’s head came up and he looked at Flame’s excited face. “You’re right,” he said with dawning hope. “We could even make live traps.”

“Yes. Here, you keep an eye on Littlespark. Our mixed up day-night schedule has her all back to front, so I don’t know if she’ll stay asleep. I’ll be back soon.” And with that she handed the baby to Aidan and went out the door into the freezing night.