Michael stiffened when the familiar mana signature paused in front of him. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck rose when he heard his name.

To his knowledge, no one here knew who he was...who he really was. It had been ages since anyone had used his given name.

He should be worried, think about making some kind of escape....

But that voice...

"Vlad?"

He knows it and he knows the name of the man it belongs to somehow. He feels warmth and relief at the other's presence for some reason. The mouths in his palms insist that the man is familiar.

Blue eyes soften.

"Good to see you."

Because for some reason, it is.