Damien grinned. "Why? Ah yes, that is the eternal question. Do not be mistaken, my Lady. Ezekiel Warwick was the first human that didn't try to shoot me down upon sight; and evidently, he was the first human I chose not to willingly consume. A stroke of human luck, or perhaps divine fate? I chose your family on a whim. Had things been much different, and I would be in some other family's manor as we speak. But I'm not." The dark man crouched down to look directly into Cateline's eyes, his crimson pupils shining with a desire to serve.

"Regardless of my original actions, my loyalty belongs now to no other. I am yours to do with and see fit, my master." Squeezing Cateline's hand just a bit tighter, Damien reached up to gently pet her hair. "As for why I was sealed in the basement....your father suspected fowl play shortly before his own demise. For your safety, he left me down there to await your eventual arrival. He knew you would escape, and he knew you would find me."

The sound of bones cracking and fleshing being torn apart filled the kitchen as Damien transformed once more into the shape of a large black-furred dog. Red eyes shining, it bent its head downward to gently lick Cateline's open palm in an affectionate manner before speaking in Damien's echoing voice.

"The last order he gave me was to dutifully serve and protect the next drop of Warwick blood to grace my lips. You, my dear Lady Cateline."