Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

I tend to get what I want in the end, Artemis. My hopes are plenty realistic. I'm sure Abby will listen to reason.

..I understand. I don’t think it’ll happen with how it’s going right now. 

Like I said, I will speak with Abby myself, and we'll see what happens. 

I don’t think they forgot. I think it’s their intention to treat us like so. 

I know, love, I know. [caresses her cheek gently] If you can get along with Abby, I'm getting you out of there permanently. 

[Charles raises a brow] 614, my my. [It is taking all he has not to attack right now, and he puts his hands up in surrender] I would much rather find a more willing participant. Experiments are much easier to conduct that way.

That is what I've managed to calculate my way to, yes. [nods once] You have my thanks then, Dr. I wish you the best of luck. 

…..Not at all, ma’am… 

I thought as much. You need to breathe, Oliver. Close your eyes and breathe. Focus and you'll be able to keep yourself somewhat under control.

Unfortunately… Some luck I have… 

I'm sorry, Artemis. [slowly she reaches out to gently brush the girl's hair behind her ears, smiling softly] Some people around here seem to forget that slaves aren't toys. 

[Charles cocks his head, almost clinically examining her] My dear, do you believe that I would attack you callously? This is an opportunity, one I may never get again. I would be able to document for myself the effects. I would of course ensure your safety. the possibilities are endless, I could learn so much.

Dr. Pike, I am 614 years old. I have had my share of vampire bites, and I can assure you, they are not particularly pleasant. [shakes her head, before a sigh passes her lips] 

Yes, ma’am. I was… but now I’m not.. and I didn’t get bit..

Hmm. Are you managing your instincts well enough, Oliver?

.. I’ll just turn away the moment I see them then. That seemed to be the better option. Either that or I just pretend that I’m mute. It’s not like I”m asking for trouble, they just like to stroll in and out as they please… 

Sadly that is how things work around here, my dear. 

[It was true that Charles held no real care for anyone, master, mistress, or slave, and as things in the city seemed so utterly turned around, he appeared to have the power now. He licked his lips.] I have always wondered what it feels like for a vampire to feed. Secondhand accounts are only so helpful. [Despite himself, he found his mouth watering a bit.] I apologize. It seems I am in need of food rather badly. It would be excellent to experiment under these conditions…

[Leonora's eyes narrow and she gives the man a dark look, one that has not passed her features in a very long time] I suggest you find someone else, Doctor, because I have a feeling this odd little switch will not last very long. 

[Furrows her eyebrows and gives Nora a look that says that she still doesn’t enjoy being sniffed.] Probably the same reason you smell like a puppy.