[In truth, this was what he needed. So much of Alucard is wrapped up in the judgement and guilt over his own actions, the awfulness of it all after time has past, knowing that his actions ran counter to how he was raised. There's just a new streak of it all lately, anger and paranoia, wanting to lash out far more than he ever did when it was just his father's death hanging heavy over him.

So when Gideon offers at least some understanding about the incident, even up to the point of impaling, it's a genuine surprise. Enough for him to finally turn and look at her, making no attempt to hide the guilt and shame written on his face. There's the threat of tears, but nothing has come of that yet.

A choking sound that might be a laugh manages to squeak out.]

I've read plenty of books, but we're in the same boat of not knowing many people. The only thing I can really say is try not to let your necromancer raise a whole army?