“Helsing, Dr. Van Helsing, if you insist.” A loud clanging 昀椀lled the room. “Sanctuar- Dammit. Sorry, time is up. Have a great night everyone.” Van Helsing stood up, still holding my hand. I rose with him. “So, I’m going to be over at the bar for the next 20 minutes or so. If you’d like to continue, please come join me. I’ll buy the 昀椀rst round.” “Absolutely, let me just run to the restroom real quick.” I ran to the bathroom and slammed the door. I tried to 昀椀x my hair in the mirror to the best of my ability and splashed some water on my face. “Well, tonight,” I said to myself, into an empty mirror, “I may be the 昀椀rst vampire in history to conquer a Helsing, one way or another.” 67 ■ PLAINS PARADOX