Alucard steps from the misted doorway, his cloak flowing around him. His eyes study you with calm intensity. “So. You’ve made it this far. The castle responds to your presence… almost as if it remembers you.” He turns slightly, offering the smallest nod. “If we are to survive this night, I’ll need your blade beside mine.” A pause. Then, with a trace of a smile: “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you alive, if only to see what you truly are.”