Herbert's home is a dark and dreary castle, the kind of place many people might find frightening. But not you: you feel perfectly at ease as Herbert leads you through the main hall. Maybe it's his presence that makes you feel safe; there's something about him that makes you feel calm and at ease in this place. 

 "I've never been in a castle before," you remark. "Is this how they usually look?" 

 "For people like myself and my father, you can often find us in places like this. I'll take you meet him." 

 You stop walking, and grip his hand. "Herbert...I have to ask you...are you a vampire?" 

 He nods. "I am." 

 "And your father as well?" 

 "Him as well. I hope this doesn't frighten you in any way." 

 This is something that you feel should frighten you. This is a revelation that should make you want to run away. But you don't. You stay exactly where you are. Somehow, you're not afraid, at least not afraid of Herbert. 

 "Well, Herbert, what have you brought home with you this time?" a voice calls from the top of the staircase. 

 Startled, you look up to see a man descending the staircase. He is older than Herbert, but has the same strange pale skin. 

 "Only a new friend of mine, Father," Herbert answers. "This is Y/N. Y/N, my father, Count von Krolock. Father, couldn't Y/N stay for the party tomorrow night? I know how grand it's going to be, and I would like Y/N to come with me." 

 The Count looks between the two of you, and you feel a slight shiver when his gaze falls upon you. He nods and says, "I don't see why not. We shall have to find you something suitable to wear, but I am sure Herbert can help you with that." 

 "Of course." Herbert smiles. "Come on, Y/N. We have still have plenty of nighttime left." 

 "So, you do sleep during the day?" you ask Herbert as the two of you continue down the hallway. 

 "We do. Sunlight burns, you know, so it's better to be in during the day and come at to play at night. Now, let's find you a room. We have plenty." 

 "Do you think your father minds my being here?" you ask. 

 "Oh, I doubt it. In fact, I think he might have liked you. Here." He opens a door for you. "There should be some clothes in the wardrobe." 

 You step into the room, and Herbert follows you, making for the wardrobe. 

 "Herbert," you begin, "Why did you ask me to come here?" 

 "Because I like you," he answers. "In fact, I am very fond of you already." He pauses. "You do like me, don't you?" 

 You nod. "Yes. I do." 

 He smiles. "Good. I'm glad to hear it." 

 It's true: you're finding yourself liking Herbert very much. You sit down on the bed, and look around. This place isn't so bad, and you wonder if maybe you're falling in love with Herbert already. Maybe you could even be a vampire yourself one day. Why not? 

 Things suddenly don't seem so bad. In fact, everything seems quite good now that you're here.