The vampire backed down, returning to the others with a pathetic grumble.

"Hello, dearheart," Drusilla said happily. "I feel as though I've been asleep for days. I've got ever so much energy. Would you like to hear a story?"

He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. His eyes could not help but stray to the symbol on her forehead, a constant reminder that they were in the grip of a higher power.

"That's all right, turtle. You can tell me a story later. Me and the campfire lads here have some business to discuss. Why don't you be a nice bird and go count the stars on the balcony."

She hugged herself happily. "Yes, what a lovely idea. Maybe they'd like to hear a story."

"I'm quite certain they would. Go on then." Spike patted her rump and steered her toward the balcony.

"I know just the one," she said. "It's about a beautiful maiden whose love would do anything for her to be able to see her reflection in the mirror again." She walked to the open double doors that led out onto the balcony overlooking Cairo. "I hope they don't mind that it ends sadly."

"We are tired of waiting," one of the Aurelius members said as Drusilla left the room.