Annalena sat on the floor of her kitchen, staring at the armored men that kept an eye on her. She worried that they would find Margarete and her sons on their search, but there was no commotion yet. They were safe for now, and she wished for Wilhelm and his minions to leave. 

Wilhelm waited in the dining room as his soldiers reported negative responses, as they were unable to find any signs of vampire activity. The kitchen was stocked with food items that were native to the forest, and there were no signs of any blood anywhere. The prince grew annoyed as the soldiers kept coming back with bad news, and Sieghard found this was a waste of time.

The basement was the last to be discovered, as Annalena had predicted. She hung her head as they opened the door and Wilhelm saw that she had lied. The cellar was clear of debris and showed no clear signs of danger. He turned and walked up to Annalena, grabbing her chin to force her to meet his eyes. She glared at him, summoning what was left of her strength and courage.

"Alright, you're coming downstairs with me," Wilhelm informed as he pulled her to feet by the upper arm. Annalena offered a little resistance, but allowed herself to be led. Wilhelm told his soldiers to keep looking around the castle and to report back to the prince. Annalena glanced at the second man, realizing that he was the prince Wilhelm was referring to. She found herself momentarily embarrassed by her actions before Wilhelm nearly threw her down the stairs. 

Carefully, Annalena walked down the stair well, wondering what was going to happen now. If the seven sons had brought Margarete down here, then there would be problems. She resisted walking down the hallway until she felt the tip of a blade at her back. With a sneer, she was led through each room as Wilhelm checked it. Annalena wasn't sure why she was there, but she wondered if he would kill her down here. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought.

They continued deeper and deeper into the basement back rooms. She remained difficult just enough for her to be annoying but not enough for him to kill her. Annalena would unlock doors as she was told and he would investigate with his broadsword while she waited in the hallway. She wondered if he would pick up on the secret rooms within the walls, but she had no idea. She found that he didn't really check the walls too much, which was good enough for her.

As they finished the search, neither of them found any proof of the seven men nor Margarete. A part of Annalena was relieved, but she found herself uneasy with the information. Not knowing where Margarete was worried Annalena, but she buried the feeling. 

As they ascended the stairs, Wilhelm walked away from her and talked with the prince as Annalena waited in the kitchen. Her two previous bodyguards accompanied her, but didn't really pay her any mind. Sitting in her chair, she grew anxious. She wondered if the men had decided to flee and leave her behind, since she invited the enemy into their home. 

After a few minutes, Wilhelm stood in front of Annalena, who looked up at him. Her eyes showed fury and wariness. The hunter sighed and bowed to her, which only made her angrier. 

"I apologize for causing such an inconvenience," Wilhelm informed before Annalena stood, her hands balling into fists and her knuckles whitening. She had never been so furious in her life.

"Inconvenience?" she snarled, meeting his eyes. Wilhelm stood his ground, understanding the reason behind her actions. "I want you to leave. All of you, and you are not welcome back."

"We would be able to bring you back to Stuttgart. You don't have to live in this disheveled place anymore," Wilhelm informed, ignoring her emotions and words. Annalena took a deep breath.

"I would sooner willingly go to hell then go with you and your band of animals," Annalena hissed as she felt the two men stand behind her again. Panicked, she turned around to find that they were closing in. Wilhelm sighed.

"We can't allow such a young lady to live out here all by herself," Wilhelm informed with a smile. "Vampires might come to kill her."