As Annalena led the group of men back to her home, and she noted that the pathways were swept. It wasn't obvious, but she was particularly worried about the footprints around the castle. This meant that someone had heard, and that the seven vampires had been prepared. Confidently, she guided the newcomers through the crumbling wall and pushed open the large wooden door to the main hall. Wilhelm glanced around, waiting to see something, while his immediate companion looked disinterested. He had an important aura around him, but Annalena couldn't figure out why exactly.

"There are rooms up those stairs that you and your men can sleep in. The kitchen is over here next to the dining room," Annalena instructed as she pointed to the different areas. Wilhelm did his best to respond intelligently, but he was looking for something else.

"Where does that door lead?" the secondary man wondered, pointing to the door near the kitchen. It was the one that led to the basement. 

"There's a cellar down there, but it's mostly caved in or pitch black down there. I leave that area alone," Annalena answered quickly, acting confused on why anyone would care. She understood why they were here, and she wanted Margarete to be safe for the time being.

"How long were you out here again?" Wilhelm asked as he wandered around the kitchen. Annalena noticed that the rest of the group were blocking the exits. She grew uneasy, realizing that Wilhelm suspected her of vampirism. 

"I was removed from my home last fall, and I got lost on my way to Stuttgart," Annalena answered firmly, only telling the truth. Wilhelm grunted in response before looking back at her. 

"Are we the only people you've come across in the forest?" Wilhelm continued, walking closer. 

"If I had met other people, I would have gone with them out of the forest. I still have no idea how to leave," Annalena answered, this time mostly telling the truth. She wouldn't have left so freely, but she had no idea how to get out of the forest. Annalena felt a firm hand grasp her shoulder, to which she just glanced up to the knight responsible. She returned her gaze to Wilhelm, confused on what was going on.

"Have you heard the rumors surrounding this forest?" the hunter asked as Annalena did her best to shrug.

"My mother told me stories about the forest, but nothing other than that. I don't believe in witches or werewolves, though," Annalena pointed out, acting insulted by Wilhelm.

"What about vampires?" Wilhelm pressed, causing Annalena to scoff.

"Vampires? You think vampires live in the forest?" she asked as she made fun of him. "What are you, a vampire hunter?"

"I am," Wilhelm answered firmly, annoyed with her response. She calmed down a little, hoping that she was convincing. 

"Good lord, a vampire hunter? You'll have a better chance at finding the holy grail than find a vampire," Annalena teased as she noticed the grip on her shoulder tightened. Although, it wasn't intimidating enough for her. 

"They you won't mind if we searched your home?" Wilhelm asked as she smiled. 

"Go ahead. If you find a vampire, let me know. I think that would be a fascinating find," Annalena jested, possibly taking it a little far. However, she figured she had a normal reaction. Wilhelm, who had been walking towards the cellar door, stopped at her words. She wondered if she had injured his pride. 

"Why don't we try something?" Wilhelm whispered as another hand grasped her other shoulder. Annalena glared at him, surprised to be restrained so suddenly. "Did you know there were rumors of a vampiress in this castle? I can't imagine you would, as you haven't seen anyone in months. Let's see if my source is correct."

"What are you doing?" Annalena whispered as the two men behind her grabbed her arms as well. Wilhelm brought out a small vial, a few sharpened sticks, and an unfamiliar tool similar to a pair of pliers. She would be lying if she wasn't now frightened, but she remained stoic.

"Testing a theory," he replied as he took the lid off of the vial. Annalena struggled as he came closer. She immediately remembered when Greta had given her the black liquid, and she started to shake her head. Wilhelm was a little surprised by her response, but he didn't stop. 

First, he forced her mouth open with the tool as she tried to fight back. Annalena was able to bite down, but it was short lived as one of the men yanked her arm back. As she yelled, Wilhelm kept her mouth open as he examined her teeth. There was no evidence to extended canines, so he poured the contents of the vial into her mouth. It was a metallic taste, and Annalena knew immediately what it was. She wrenched free from Wilhelm's hold and promptly vomited in response. Wilhelm put away the tool and the now empty vial, but kept the sticks out. The two men behind Annalena let her go as she fell to her knees, gasping.

"I want you to leave," Annalena whispered after dry heaving for a moment. Wilhelm knelt next to her before putting a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Not until we're certain that you're here alone," Wilhelm murmured before ordering the other men to search the castle.