The vampires are thought to be merely legends, except for those who know they truly exist. The Kaiserine has a morbid fear of the creatures and has set out to eradicate them. The assassination attempt is in retaliation. When a vampire bites someone, they experience the vampire gift, healing, strength, speed. If they are not touched again, the gift fades over time. Or a vampire can drink to the point of death, were they become vampires or mindless zombies. Doctor Schmidt has been experiencing with the condition and come up with an elixir, that had speed the change once one has been bitten. He also has created an antidote which returns the person to human, hopefully. Derek's approach to vampires is very different. I don't think I've ever come across the idea that being just bitten imparts vampire qualities or that there can be an antidote. Some interesting possibilities. I hope he will continue on with the series. I would like to see more of the vampires and find out what happens to Manfred, if indeed he becomes a vampire.
