The first few days of Annalena living at Margarete's were pleasant, but were a little strange. Reinhold and Gunter were excited to have her around, seeing her as a little sister, while the rest of the men didn't seem to mind her. Ottomar seemed to hate her, but Annalena didn't know why. She guessed it was because she was a human outsider.

Margarete often stayed close to Annalena, wanting to give tours and ask about things of the outside world. They had small picnics, too, which was Annalena's favorite past time. Margarete helped her put together the meals by butchering the meat after it was drained of blood and showing Annalena where to find some plants that are okay to eat. 

"How did you know where to find these?" Annalena asked, motioning to the cooked roots and rinsed berries in the basket. She was able to convince Margarete to go on another picnic before night fall, and she was trying to start a conversation. Margarete leaned back.

"I wasn't always a vampire in these woods. My father used to live on the edge, and we had a small summer home in the woods with him and my stepmother. He taught me to gather in case I ever got lost," Margarete answered, hiding the pain of loss in her voice.

"You were human?" Annalena asked, surprised.

"When I was younger, yes. My stepmother actually put a curse on me to turn me into a vampire when she found out that my father had died," Margarete replied, looking into the tree line. "He died trying to look for me after I got lost, but I managed to come back. He had crossed paths with a bear not too far from the summer home. I had found the remnants."

"I'm so sorry," Annalena whispered, covering her mouth. She didn't want to bring up such harsh memories. Margarete shrugged and smiled.

"It's okay. That was over two hundred years ago. I ran away to this castle after she put the curse on me. She had told the townspeople that a vampire lived in the woods to create a panic, but no one believed her once the death of my father was announced. I watched from the woods to see if anyone would come get me, but no one did. I found this old castle and patched it up the best I could, and I've lived here ever since," Margarete informed, looking at her castle fondly. Annalena followed her gaze, also admiring it.

"You did well," Annalena agreed before turning to Margarete. "Thank you for showing me how to gather."

"You're welcome. It's a good skill to have," Margarete grinned, sitting back up. "When did you want to go to Stuttgart?"

"Well, I don't know. Maybe this summer? Or is that too long?" Annalena suggested.

"A few months is fine. I mean, I just told you that I'm over two hundred years old. Months are nothing," Margarete mentioned with a light laugh. Annalena smiled, wondering if her friend was alright. "You can stay as long as you want."

"Don't say that! I might never leave," Annalena teased, making Margarete smile genuinely.

"You say that like that's a bad thing," Margarete laughed as a figure appeared behind her.

"Hey Gunter," Annalena greeted as the man walked around them. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. Emil was looking for you two. I guess that has been some strange movement in the northern section of the Black Forest," Gunter mentioned as Margarete immediately stood.

"Are you certain?" Margarete whispered as he nodded, mostly confused. He didn't think he was delivering a negative message. "Gunter, I need you to get Annalena inside and grab your brothers. Although, have Reinhold stay with Annalena so she's not alone."

"What's going on?" Annalena asked as she started to put the picnic away. Margarete walked up to her and touched her cheek, comforting her.

"Not sure, but I think we might be in danger. A powerful force lurks in the northern part of the forest, and I try to watch that place diligently," Margarete whispered before kissing Annalena's forehead. "I'm going to make sure that we're safe."

"Okay," Annalena nodded, touching Margarete's hand before bring it to her mouth to kiss her palm. Margarete gave a sad smile before going into the forest as Gunter whistled. The six other brothers showed within moments as Margarete explained the plan. Reinhold helped Annalena back inside as the others disappeared into the shadows.