Dancing into the Night: Epilogue

Everything was numb, though Lynara had long since forgotten to take notice. Finally, she had no more tears to shed, though she doubted that her soul would ever cease its weeping. She had held Vladislaus deep into the night, studying the handsome plains of his face with an urgency that was not lost on the Priest who knelt beside her.

She would remember this undead, beautiful face, until her judgement day and beyond. Of that there was no question. So she took her time and memorized every inch of the Count. And felt a small sob choke her as she rested her hand above his dead heart. For a moment, it had beat for her. For a moment, he had lived. But the breath of life had cost him dearly.

Lynara leaned forward to rest her forehead against Dracula's. She breathed him in, and felt his frozen flesh against hers, mimicking so many times before. With her eyes closed, she could almost imagine he was merely asleep. . . . But he wasn't, nor ever would be again.

"Goodnight… my beloved Count." She smiled brokenly as she reached out to squeeze his larger hand in her own. "Until we meet again, somewhere, someplace. . . I will dream of you."

Brown fingers slipped from pale white, and finally the maid withdrew, shakily standing from the snow. The Priest's cloak had warmed her, but she was oblivious to it. All feeling had left her, and she knew it would not return. Not as it had been. Not as she wished it to be.

With shaky steps, she began to trek back towards the Abbey, her black curls billowing about her face as she walked. The blood from her leg-wound oozed out against the white, as she stumbled forward. But it no longer hurt her.

Lynara didn't hear the Priest follow her, and for that she was relieved. In that moment, she couldn't have looked at him for all the world. Not when he had taken her world from her.

It was nearly dawn as Vasile once more entered the Abbey. Outside, the heavens had just started to show the first signs of sunlight against the periwinkle-beige hues of the sky. With tired feet, he came to stand within the Chapel, where Lynara sat waiting for him.

It had been hours since they'd spoken, and yet it felt like days. But she had waited- after bandaging her wounded leg- and he was grateful for it.

Sea-green eyes met unreadable chocolate brown in a silent conversation. When he was sure she wouldn't turn away, the man of the cloth drew closer. He sat on the same pew she inhabited, although he kept his distance. Then, he waited. After what had occured, it was the least he could do.

After another moment, she spoke, her orbs boring into him like a blade.

"I cannot stay here, Priest. Not after this." Her voice was calm as she addressed him, though the underlying sorrow seeped through to audibly darken her tone.

"I know." His hoarse voice answered without hesitation. "Where will you go?"

She shook her head, making the curls lash out before she pushed them back. "I do not know, nor do I care."

The Priest nodded once, his freckled, scarred face shifting with compassion as he reached out and took ahold of the woman's hand. "Please go with Van Helsing, my lady. He plans to leave this morning as well. The Hunter is no threat to you now, and his horse shall make quick work of these mountains."

"I do not wish him for a travel companion. I will go on my own."

"I would not want his company either, given all that has transpired," he said. "But we are miles from civilization, and in the snow, you will not survive… If you will not do it for yourself, please, do it for your beloved's sake."

At the mention of the Count, Lynara's face twisted into something akin to agony, before she began to shake again. She had masked her heartache well, but now she broke down a second time and wept. So many tears. It seemed she had been graced with a life full of them.

For a time, the Priest let her cry, before he wrapped his arms around her. At first, she stiffened and seemed likely to push him away. But instead, she held him tightly and cried into his shoulder. Her tears were hot against the cloth of his robe, but he didn't pull away. Not when he could feel her pain so vividly as her fingers clawed into him.

"I would despise you for what you have done! I would hate you for it, if only I could!" She lamented, clutching him as a final lifeline in that terrible moment. "But you are all I have left! … All to remind me of who I was. Of what I could have been. . . How I wish I could let the anger fill me up. It would be easier upon my soul. But instead, all I have is sorrow and this suffocating grief..."

"Your heart loves too deeply to hate, milady." He comforted her as she cried. "It is not in your nature. Even for those who deserve your ire, you cannot give it. It is why you are loved by those without souls, myself included."

The Priest kissed the woman's forehead gently, before he cupped her face and made her look to him. "Now heed me one last time, Lady Lynara. I beg you."

"...Priest?"

He looked upon her then with a warmth that made her breath catch in her throat. Her tears followed suit, as they too tapered off. It was the look of a loved one, bursting with respect and admiration. The look of familial affection.

"You must live your life, milady. You must never give in to desperate measures or lesser pursuits." He spoke adamantly, his eyes pleading. "You feel broken, as though you have lost yourself. But I beg you to look past that pain and see the future in store for you. . . This is not the end, and you must vow that you will keep on your path, onward and upward."

Lynara studied him as he continued, clearly listening to his words.

"You are a child of light, Lynara, and you must never forget where you hail from." His voice cracked as tears sprouted in the ocean of sea-green. "Believe in yourself. Know that you will survive all the trials given unto you. Remember these days of darkness well and learn from them. Thrive in this world of humans and monsters and remain the sweet lady I have come to love. Do that, and you will never lose your way. . . . Do that, and you will never be alone."

From the depths of her despair, the smallest flicker of hope could already be seen, peeking out. Her dimples lifted up into a wistful little smile through her tears, as the dark maid looked upon the Priest in the glow of the early morning. Here and now, despite his scars and worn visage, Vasile was beautiful, and Lynara saw it clearly. In that moment, Heaven's glory shone through his expression and enveloped her. Bringing with it, the first taste of peace that night.

"I shall never forget you, Vasile Valerious." She said his name softly and with purpose. "And I will remember you as you were, when you saved me from the Tavern and befriended me. I will remember the goodness in you, and pray that you find the peace you so longed for."

Though her chance for happiness had been lost, perhaps the Priest could still salvage his own happy ending.

Vasile sighed as she said his forgotten name aloud, before he gratefully raised her hand up to place a chaste kiss to her knuckles. Then he pressed something into her palm. Upon looking down, she realized he had given her five silver coins. Most certainly for her journey back to Romania. She tried to return them, but he firmly closed her fingers around the silver.

"You have given me peace, Lynara." He smiled at her and it touched his sea-green eyes like a ray of sunshine. And for a breath, all the darkness disappeared, to be replaced by love. "May God be with you for the rest of your days, milady. And may happiness embrace you in its arms once again."

After another moment of hesitation, Lynara wordlessly accepted the coins, before she stood from the pew. With a final parting gesture, she dipped her head to the one who had saved her, marking her farewell. "I wish the same for you, Priest. Be well… my friend."

*0*0*0*0*

As the dawn had come, the Hunter and Maid had departed from the Abbey in a flurry of hooves and snow. Both were glad to be on their way. After snowing well into the night, the storm had finally passed, and now only tranquil white remained.

They rode countless hours, pushing the midnight stallion and themselves past their limits. Not a paltry word was said between the two. There was nothing left to say.

Lynara sat in front of Van Helsing, trapped by his strong arms and legs as he controlled the horse. Their contact was necessary, but far from pleasant. He'd even gone so far as to apologize, when he'd been forced to grab her waist, to stop her from sliding off the saddle while riding down a particularly treacherous slope. Lynara had returned his cordiality, despite the uncomfortable clenching in the pit of her stomach. No man had held her so close, save for Vladislaus. And she'd found, that she disliked the Hunter's touch more than she could say. But she had kept her displeasure to herself and pushed on.

Finally, as the midday sun lofted high, they had reached the outskirts of civilization. Still they had galloped, past the provincial towns and hamlets. Onward to Budapest.

After another two hours, the great city and bay had finally come into view. As they had slowed their pace to a walk, the trip seemed as if it had taken no time at all. Though the fatigue of their ride was clear for both.

Now, Lynara's eyes drank in the familiar sights, and she could breathe. For what felt like the first time, she truly looked at the city she had called home. She took it all in: the poverty, the mud, the cobblestone streets, the diversity, the human beauty- and felt her heart rise and fall despite itself.

The Count and her Tavern were gone, along with all that she had grown to love. And yet, she still lived. Cursed to be alone…

But in her moment of sorrow, Vasile's words echoed in her mind like a beacon, and a new thought took purchase.

There can be a new Tavern, she thought. Not the same, and perhaps never as welcoming. But a Tavern, nonetheless. I can and will be happy again. Somehow...

"Please, stop here." The words were out of her mouth before she could consider them. As Van Helsing complied, she knew she had spoken wisely. When he helped her down, the two exchanged glances before she found herself saying more. "Thank you for bringing me back. I see now, that I would not have made it on my own..."

Van Helsing's stern features shifted into a small smile at her sincere words as he nodded. He remounted his steed a second later, but hesitated in leaving.

After a minute of undecided silence, he gave her a cautious offering. "I am sorry... for your loss."

"As am I," she said, looking up at him where he sat on his mount. "...But I forgive you and the Priest, as I must forgive myself for my own part in it all. Hatred will not bring the Count back, nor will it honor his memory…. So I must do my best not to cling to my grief."

She spoke the words hopefully, though knew that it would take a long time before she could quiet her grief. Still, she believed in the power of speech and hoped that someday her words would be true.

"You did everything you could," Gabriel said, as he studied her. "You fought back and tried to protect him and yourself. You can be proud of that."

"Yes... Perhaps." She was still for a long time before she raised her hand to wave to him. "Safe travels to you, Mister Van Helsing. God's speed."

He tipped the brim of his hat in salute, before regarding her with respectful hazel eyes. "Ma'am."

The Hunter then took up his reigns and moved through the crowd, disappearing after only a minute or so. Lynara watched him go unhurriedly, before turning and making her way through the familiar streets.

It was finally over; akin to a nightmare or a unearthly dream. Both beautiful and sad, grotesque and full of glory. But good or bad, they were her memories now.

The woman made her way past countless people, walking assuredly deeper into the city. She would find a place for the night, and try to figure out the rest with the new morning. She would need rest and time to repair her broken mind and fatigued body, if she were to survive this.

Perhaps one day she would be able to face her challenges with strength and poise, just like the Count had showed her. Perhaps when the grief had numbed, she would be able to spend the rest of her days, making him proud.

It was a hopeful thought, but one that offered comfort, to the weary maiden.

With heavy, tired steps, Lynara found a Tavern with rooms to let. She gained a chamber for the night and purchased a meal for herself. Eating it alone at the bar, she fought back tears, as she recalled her own tavern, and those she had lost to the flames.

When she finished, the woman retired to her room to rest. She could not remember the last time she'd slept, and her body could not stand another moment without respite. Without changing from her dress and shoes, the maid tumbled onto the cot and fell into an exhausted sleep.

As she slumbered the rest of the day and evening away, the maid was oblivious to the world. . . Oblivious even to the intent eyes that watched over her from the shadows as it grew dark.

*0*0*0*0*

Lynara slept without dreams or proper thought. Her usually vivid mind for once granting her some repose, as she slipped from hour to hour in the cocoon of slumber. Only fatigue and the warmth of her blanket kept her grounded, as she floated around the outskirts of the Crossroads.

The maid watched the faceless crowds without emotion, as the daylight turned to night. And would have stayed there peaceably, if her soul had not made the journey back to her body of its own accord.

Lynara's chocolate brown eyes fluttered open, as she awoke from her deep sleep. She blinked rapidly, as tears clouded her vision and her heart clenched painfully. Upon waking, all the pain and loss came flooding back. She was alone again, and the memories plagued her mercilessly.

Several seconds ticked by, as Lynara cried soundlessly, staring up at the chamber ceiling as she fought to breathe. Until the calm was broken by an unknown source, making the maid's attention snap to the corner of the room with unnatural speed.

"My poor, little storyteller. So many tears to shed... I hope they aren't for me, my dear."

Lynara's face froze into a mask of shock, before she rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. Dazed, she stared at the one who had spoken and shook her head. She was seeing things! She had finally gone mad!

"I have struck the lady speechless- how careless of me. Take your time, little one. I'd wager you need a moment to adjust." His tone was light and warm, and Lynara choked as her tears stopped of their own volition. That voice… it was just as she remembered. . . But how?

"C-Count?"

The nobleman offered her a closed mouth smile, holding his arms out to her. "Yes, my darling. I am here."

He was near the chamber door, appearing as thought he had just entered to greet her. Such a beautiful, enduring sight- even past the confines of the grave, it seemed.

Lynara took in the familiar plains of his face, the midnight black hair held back by the golden clasp, and the affectionate blue eyes that beckoned to her. And it was more than she could bear. With lightning speed, the woman was out of the bed and stumbling to him. Her injured leg cried out in protest, but she ignored it, launching herself at the one she'd lost with all her strength.

When she was met with solidity and cold, undead flesh, Lynara's eyes lifted in wonder. "How is this possible? … I watched you die. I was there… I saw you-"

"Shhh, my darling." Dracula hushed her gently, as he held her close. "It was all an illusion."

"B-But-"

"You can feel me, can you not?" He was patient as he let her touch him again. "You can see me?"

"Yes."

"I am alive, Lynara. . . Or alive as I can be."

"But my blood? The knife?" The maid shook her head, as she tried to make sense of it. Vladislaus was here, that much was certain. But how could it be possible? He had died. And yet, he held her, as if nothing had happened.

Gently, the Count brought his fingers up to caress Lynara's cheek, as he witnessed her bewilderment. "All is not as it seems, my love. That much I can assure you."

"You must explain this to me, Vladislaus," she bid him, shaking as she held onto him tightly. The relief of her discovery almost blinded her, as she buried her face into his chest. "I cannot fathom what I see."

Dracula thought for a moment. "It would seem I was not the only man who was smitten with you, little Lynara. . . You left a permanent mark upon Vasile as well."

"The Priest?" Confusion reigned supreme on the brown maid's face. "But he was the one to strike you down."

Dracula shook his head, making the wispy strands that lined his face waft beautifully. "He took pity on me... But I see this does nothing to aid your understanding, my darling."

He stopped to think, before a light entered his eyes. "Open your mind to me, Lynara. And I will show you how this came to be."

Lynara felt as though her heart and mind would explode from the relief and happiness she felt. Though somehow, the woman obediently closed her eyes and opened her mind to the vampire.

For a moment, she could feel him within the recesses of her conscious. Before her sight glazed over and one of the Count's memories began to play with stunning clarity. The dark maid fought it at first, but as the billowing gray came into her view, she relaxed fully.

When Dracula felt his mate accept his intrusion, he smiled, and the memory unfolded. . .

*0*0*0*0*

The Crossroads were hauntingly calm. All sound was muted here, save for the reverberating laughter of Dracula himself. But the sound of his deep, unearthly gales held ill-humor and ice, instead of the warmth of true laughter.

"There is only death for you, Dracul," Vasile warned. "If you come to find, Lynara it will all end. I promise you this."

Vladislaus's white fangs stretched into a wolfish smile, that almost shone as bright as his glowing blue eyes. In the swirling gray of the Crossroads, it made him appear as an apparition. A demonic specter from beyond the grave, waving poor souls to come nearer and partake.

"You speak of death in such a negative light, Vasile." Dracula's smile grew larger and more feral, and the Priest's heart filled with dread. "You have forgotten that I have faced it before. . . Death is only the beginning."

At the odd words, the Priest froze, and as if in a trance, stared at the vampire. For a long moment, he was still, his sea-green eyes flickering to and fro as deep thought enveloped him. He had always assumed that his brother's demise was the onlyending. . . But what if it wasn't so? What if it didn't have to end the way the Church had always commanded? . . . What if there was a another way? A third option?

Dracula watched with well reserved curiosity as Vasile's eyes finally came back to meet his own. The light and surprise that swam in the sea-green orbs, was enough to give the Count pause.

"What if there was another way, Vladislaus?" the Priest whispered, his expression pensive. "What if we didn't have to fight anymore?"

"You know that is impossible."

"No. Heed me... What if death was the end, for both of us?"

"You speak in riddles and false hopes, Priest," Dracula said with tired annoyance. "You know as well as I, that I will come for Lynara, and that I will stop this-"

"And then what?" The Priest's husky voice interrupted the vampire steadily. "After you save her and fly off into the night, what happens? Where do you go next?"

Dracula gazed intently at the one he had once called brother, his blue eyes unblinking. The Priest immediately continued.

"Even if you somehow managed to take her safely, the Church would never stop hunting you or her. You would never have peace, and eventually it would cost you either her life or your own."

Vasile paused before he reached out a hand and grasped Vladislaus's shoulder. "You called me weak… and I accept that. I was too weak to stand by your side all those years ago. I was a coward, who watched as the Holy Order abandoned you and condemned you to die. I was weak, my brother, and I am still am. For I cannot take your life, no matter what it might cost me. . ."

Fresh, salty tears drifted down the scarred, freckled face, as the Priest was lost to his remorse and emotion. For so many years he had been pitted against the one he cared for the most. For too long, he had stood alone, apart from the world and all those living in it.

"I cannot continue this, brother. I cannot murder you. Not when you are all I have left..." Vasile whispered, as he shakily watched the vampire across from him. Dracula gave nothing away, though he offered Vasile his full attention.

"Then you damn yourself, brother mine," Vladislaus replied, his icy blue eyes briefly showing sorrow that had long been hidden. It was a glimpse of the man who had come before the vampire. A reminder of a Romanian Prince with a future once paved in smiles and gold. And it broke Vasile's heart.

"I am already damned." The Priest said, before he took a step closer to the vampire. "...But I realize now, that I don't have to be. It has always been my choice, and I finally choose to stand."

"And what of your oath, Vasile?" Dracula wanted to know, as the Priest continued to move closer. "What of the Valerious bloodline and those who await judgement? Would you damn them all so thoughtlessly?"

"I shall keep my oath. And none of our bloodline shall be damned. . . . I have a solution," came the soft spoken reply. "But only if you are willing to help me."

Intent blue eyes wavered at the blunt request for help, even as the lines of the Count's ancient face wrinkled with emotion. It had been more than four life times since his little brother had asked him for anything. Four centuries since they had spoken without threats or anger. . . And now, as the Count stared into the pleading eyes of his younger brother, he found the depths of his wrath had begun to fade. The pain of centuries past continued to ache in his breast, but nothing more than remorse remained.

The nameless one waited silently, watching the subtle change in his brother with a wistful smile. It seemed like an eternity ago they had been normal men, living their lives and enjoying the company of one another. It was the simple things that they both still longed for. The Sunday masses, the deep conversations late into the eve, the laughter and embraces of brotherly affection. . . So precious, and so dearly missed.

With a shaking hand, the vampire reached for his brother. His fingers were hesitant as they moved to touch the familiar face, before growing firmer, as they had been so long ago. His palm cupped the other man's cheek in a gesture of companionship. His flesh was cold and undead, but Vasile didn't cringe or pull away. Instead, he lifted his own hand to mirror the Count, before they both leaned forward and placed their foreheads together.

The gesture was one they had done a thousand times throughout childhood. A farewell or greeting between brothers, from a simpler time. A time when they had both been human.

When they pulled away to look at each other sometime later, matching tears had risen in their eyes. The resentment of years past seemed to melt away, until only the old attachment remained. As the tears dissipated into somber expressions, the brothers embraced.

Vladislaus looked at Vasile before saying simply. "What would you have us do, brother mine?"

"My plan is a dangerous one," Vasile cautioned. "And it will be painful for all involved. . . But if we succeed, you and Lady Lynara will have gained your freedom."

"Will she be safe from harm?" Dracula's resonant tone filled the gray smoke of the Crossroads as he asked the question. The Priest nodded immediately. "Then I shall do as you ask. Tell me your plan, brother mine. I must know it as well as you do."

Vasile clasped his brother's shoulder before he began his explanation. "The Holy Order has sent a Hunter after you, and he shall arrive soon. He will not stop until you are dead… so we must make him believe that you are."

"How?"

"Lady Lynara's blood will make for a convincing death."

Dracula's lips quirked up into a skeptical smile, his eyebrow raising. "If I didn't know better, Vasile, I would think you were trying to be rid of me."

The Priest dipped his head contritely before saying, "I will not kill you. But the hunter, this Gabriel Van Helsing, does not know that. We must capitalize on his lack of knowledge if we are to succeed."

"Van Helsing will come," he continued. "And Lynara will try to flee to you. You won't be able to cross onto Consecrated Ground, so that is where the Hunter will try to trap you. There will be a confrontation at the barrier, but instead of Van Helsing dealing the finishing blow it must be me."

From within the depths of his pearl white robes, Vasile withdrew a knife of pure silver.

"I will put several drops of Lynara's blood upon this blade, and I will imbed it in your heart. It took most of Lynara's blood to kill your vampire bride in the tavern, so we can safely assume that it won't do more than weaken you. . . In that state, you will momentarily become human. And when you turn back to your undead self, it will seem to Lynara and the Hunter that you are truly dead. You must make them believe it to be so."

"I will not have Lynara's grief on my hands, Vasile." Dracula shook his head, making his raven strands dance with a life of their own. "She has suffered enough. I will not do such a thing to her."

"Then you condemn her and yourself." Came the solemn reply. "Van Helsing will be looking for tricks, and if he suspects for an instant that you aren't actually dead, Lynara could be in danger. If you wish for the Holy Order to think that you are no longer a threat, and that Lynara is neutralized, you must make her and Van Helsing believe you are gone."

The Count's face twisted in distaste, but eventually he nodded his consent. "Will you comfort her? Until I wake?"

"I will. As much as she will allow."

Vladislaus paused then, his deep blue eyes questioning, as they regarded his younger brother. "And what peace will this venture grant you, Vasile? Why do you risk your salvation on a ruse that could end so badly?"

"Because I intended to ask for something in return."

"Within reason, I shall give you what you ask." The vampire promised.

"I know you will."

"So tell me, brother mine, what do you desire above all else?" Dracula knew the answer, though he asked anyway.

Sea-green eyes warmed as the Priest smiled. "You must promise me that you will honor Lady Lynara and make her happy. . . And swear that when she is old and gray, that you will die alongside her. So that we may all end this cycle together."

Dracula's surprise was clear, as his handsome face shone with curiosity. "You would wait for her to die naturally? You would put your mission on hold for that long?"

"What is another 70 years, Vladislaus, when I have already waited four hundred?" His eyes shone with tenderness. "Take her and be happy. I wish for this immortal trial to be over, but I would not accept an end, before you and Lynara were ready to leave this earth. This way, we both get what we want. We both win."

Both men fell silent for the longest time, before the vampire smiled gratefully at the Priest. "Without Lynara there is little point in staying alive. So I accept your terms, Vasile. When Lynara's days come to an end, I shall give you my life willingly."

"Then my wish has come true." The Priest said, before he lifted his sea-green eyes to the crowds that traversed the never-ending gray. "Now come, we must wake and leave the Crossroads. Lynara is in need of us…"

*0*0*0*0*

Lynara's eyes flew open as the memory faded, and a choked gasp erupted from her mouth. If the Count had not been holding onto her, she surely would have fallen from the force of her return.

"It was a ruse? To trick the church and Van Helsing..." Lynara looked at Vladislaus in awe. "You and the Priest planned it all before it happened?"

"Save for Van Helsing injuring you," the Count's expression grew livid for a breath, before smoothing. "Neither Vasile nor I had believed that he would harm you. . . My ignorance led to your pain, and I shall never truly forgive myself for it."

"I am alright. It's just a flesh wound." At his unconvinced grimace, the maid placed a hand to his arm. "I promise all is well, Count. . . And here I believed it would never be right again."

Lynara felt lightheaded as everything clicked into place. The tender words from Vasile, the subtle hints that Vladislaus had left her before she had tried to escape. . . They had been attempts to inform her and soften the blow.

The Priest had put his own happiness on hold for them. He was willing to wait for his eternal rest, for her sake. And the Church would be none the wiser, thinking that her beloved Count was dead and buried.

"And what of Vasile?" she wondered. "What has become of him?"

"He intended to meet us, after he finished an obligatory audience in Holy Rome. His presence was sadly required in the aftermath of my demise." Dracula said with a little smile. "But he wanted to beg your forgiveness in person, once he comes back to Romania. He wished to welcome his new-found sister without the deception. A meeting place is set for when he returns... We would be a family again, if it should please you, my darling?"

"Of course! Of course, it should please me!" Her eyes danced with emotional light. " I am relieved that my heart was right about him. Even after he'd stabbed you, I could not bring myself to hate him. And now I know why... I am thrilled beyond measure to have a brother of my own. To have a family!"

The weight of the admissions seemed to slam into Lynara then, before her heart became feather light and a disbelieving grin rose to her lips.

"...Is it truly over, Count? Are we really free?" Her voice shook with a nondescript emotion, as she stared disbelievingly at her beloved.

Dracula gently brushed a stray curl from the maid's face, his blue eyes shining with what seemed to be joy. "Yes, little Lynara. Our battle is concluded. The Church will be informed, and the Valerious family assuaged. . . . We are safe."

A strange sound pervaded the air in that moment, and it took the vampire a second to realize that it was Lynara laughing. It started out as a titter, before growing into joyous peals that shook her whole body. The Count took her outburst in with surprise, as he watched in wonder at her contagious, relieved giggles.

In all the time he had known her, Lynara had never laughed so jubilantly, and the vampire found himself helpless but to join her. As the deep full-bellied laugh joined in with the infectious giggles, the two embraced once again, and basked in the normalcy of it all.

There were no more angry sirelings, or holy men, or hunters. No red faced barkeeps, poisoned daggers, or thoughts of separation. Only the hushed tranquility of unending ever-after remained, and it caught them up in a flurry of golden rays. Though the red and gray still lived in their souls, the colors no longer tainted quite as deep, nor consumed them as once they had. There was still no white to behold, but the gold suited the maid and vampire just fine.

As their laughter subsided, the deep blue eyes sparkled with affection and happiness as the Count nuzzled into Lynara's neck and placed a kiss to her pulse point. As her heart danced gaily for him, Dracula hummed appreciatively.

Lynara, as always, blushed at his attention, though this time she did not shy away. Instead, she smiled brightly and nuzzled the Count back, mirroring what he had done to her so many times. At her wonderful, yet unpracticed attempt, Dracula chuckled again, before pulling back to look into his mate's eyes.

"I fear I must interrupt your lovely attempt at wooing, my darling. Or I shall not be able to control myself."

Lynara's eyes grew wide, before she blushed deeper, making the vampire grin despite himself. "I do not know what has come over me, Vladislaus," she admitted, but Dracula stopped her with a finger to her lips.

"No, little one, you misunderstand me." His brow lifted with humor as the smile lines around his mouth once more came to life. "I would not stop you for the world, if I believed I could ask my question without being distracted."

Lynara's brow crinkled in confusion, as Vladislaus took her hand into his own. "What question would you ask me, Count? Speak and you know I shall answer."

The Count lifted her hand to his lips, placing a lingering kiss to her knuckles, before he gracefully dropped down upon a single knee. He never let go of her hand, even as he withdrew a small object from his inner jacket pocket, to hold up for the maid's inspection.

Lynara's mouth flew open as her breath caught in her throat, all the while eyeing the item that the Count now offered her.

It was a golden ring, fashioned in a simple band, save for a striking gemstone the color of blood. It shone in the candle light of the room, like the sun's rays on a spring morning. The ruby gemstone cast fragments of red light all around them like a rainbow of crimson fractals.

"Vladislaus…" Lynara found that words had abandoned her once again.

Dracula's expression grew tender as he reached for her other hand. As he captured it, the vampire held the wedding band at the ready, poised before her ring finger.

"Since our first meeting at your Tavern, you have regaled me with countless stories, my Lynara. Tales of strength, and hope, and divine intervention. You have awed me with your words and actions, as you have faced down Hell itself. . ." His intent blue eyes never left hers, as a loving expression overtook his handsome face. "But I find myself wanting."

He paused as his deep cadence grew softer than before. His voice little more than an accented rumble. "I would ask, my lovely storyteller for a final story. One last happily ever after… If she will have me?"

The question was spoken plainly, and for a long moment, there was only silence. Before the dark maid knelt down before the vampire with a smile to rival the sun itself.

"You were always my happy ending, Vladislaus," she said, as bid him to place the ring on her finger. "My story ends and begins with you."

"And you will not find yourself wanting for more," Dracula asked, reading her face for her sincerity. "You will not regret your choice? The darkness? Our past?"

As an answer Lynara took the ring from him, and slid it onto her hand. Then she cupped her Count's face and said. "I choose you, my darling Count. My Vladislaus. And I choose the night and all it may bring us."

Dracula immediately brought Lynara to him, his lips searching for hers, even as his arms and hands captured her waist. As their lips met, he kissed her passionately, for once not holding back, as he held her closer than ever before. The love and ardor that had be harbored so long erupted, as the Count and Tavern Maid found each other.

Lynara and Vladislaus kissed joyfully and lovingly whispered one-another's names, as the clock struck twelve. The chime rang out in glorious refrains, the hour marking well the moment that two hearts forever danced into the night.

~The End~

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A/N: This marks the end of Dancing, my dears! I hope you enjoyed the happy ending. I couldn't leave it the way it was last chapter, so we all get the wedding bells and bows. I hope you all have enjoyed this story. I know I found joy in the journey and all the lovely comments you all gave me. This story is the longest and most emotional/personal one that I have ever written and I will always hold it close to my heart. ^^

A final thank you is in order! Thank you all for making this journey such a wonderful one! For those of you who have stayed since the beginning, you have my sincere gratitude. And to those who reviewed and left comments, your thoughts and love for the story were invaluable!

Final shout out to my Beta/Editor EchoEstelle and my personal Sensei and Muse Madame Remember. Without them, this story would not be what it is. Thank you beautiful ladies!

I love you all! Thank you for reading, Dancing into the Night! Please drop me a final review if you liked the tale I wove. ;)

~Lyn Harkeran