Alptraum returns from his date to an immediate invitation by Melusine for his first lesson in being Dracul. Not wanting to offend the Shadow Dragon, Alptraum immediately goes to her.

The first thing she tells him is … he must complete his union and be one with the shadow before he can learn anything. Alptraum agrees to do this and says he'll except any price. It turns out to be his heart, as Melusine stabs him through it. This forces Alptraum to accept the shadow into him and allow it to heal him … or die.

He accepts the shadow completely and unconditionally. Its power surges through him and repairs his damaged heart. But, it is not without cost, for when the union is complete, a ragged star-shaped scar is in the center of Alptraum's chest, just over his heart … not unlike the heart stones that float within the body of a pure shadow dragon.