[‘Adrian’ doesn’t immediately stab him, but Hector’s guard is still up. The hatred his fellow humans aim at him has always been straightforward, hurled with all the subtlety of a stone at an outcast. Vampires, on the other hand, delight in making a game of it, taunting their prey like cat and mouse. The whispers in the court had always painted Alucard as a lover of humans and disinclined to partake in the bloodshed his father was known for, but Hector has no false illusions that he counts as ‘human’ to this creature of both worlds. Dracula’s son has reasons enough to wish to strike him down; the only question in Hector’s mind is whether the strike will come straight on or from behind.]

You make a good point. [He agreed reluctantly, because he cannot deny the disaster that could arise from a new and less capable lord or lady possessing the powers and knowledge of this ancient place..] Humanity certainly cannot be trusted with it, and neither can the world of night.

[He keeps his eyes on Adrian, though Cesar’s hopping distracts from his focus. The dear little fool. Hector wishes he could shush him, or will him back to the safely of his lab in case this comes to blows, but he doesn’t have that kind of mental connection with him. Cesar is not made to be a weapon; he is merely a dog given a second chance at life.]

Yes, I seek nothing else from this place, nor from you. I hope they’ve not made a nuisance of themselves.

[Alucard’s use of the plural ‘pets’ gives him hope that more than just Cesar has survived his absence, and he summons up what manners he can in hopes that his way to them will not be barred.]

Have I your leave to collect them?