Chapter 5 - Death, is only the beginning

Lana had been scared to know what really happened, what her husband was. However, it was exciting at the same time! She had a beautiful red silk lined coffin. The travel to Transylvania had been a long journey and she had eaten much on her way. The castle was large and the other three brides were… a problem. She didn't like them being so close to her husband, her Count! So, she challenged them!

Dracula watched, amused as he sat on his throne. His favorite bride and his newest bride battling who should be the alpha female! Why; he hadn't seen such a fight and it was thrilling! The screaming, the growling and the snarling and when he saw Lana take her vampiric shape; why… he fell in love all over again! Her wings were slightly smaller than his own, her talons and claws sharp, her form… exquisite! Why, it caused him to practically purr and let out a rumble as he fixed himself in his seat and leaned forward.

Lana stood victorious over the former favorite bride and hissed, sending the three brides crawling back.

"Know yer place ya harlot! Ye will nae seek my husband fer any warmth! Ye will serve me!"

She growled, changing back and holding her head, she felt slightly dizzy but she was brought back by the sound of clapping.

"Marvelous! Just marvelous!"

The Count stood, smiling, his fangs pressing past his lower lip.

"I knew there was something in you that drove me to you, my dearest. You have your rightful place, by my right hand side. Oof-!"

The Scottish brunette punched her Count in the stomach.

"Ye could ha' taeld me ye ha' three harlots!"

"But why would I do that? Then you never would have agreed to become my Countess."

"True, I would nae ha' done so!"

"Then why are you mad?"

"Oooh you!"

Lana seethed and stormed out of the throne room. Dracula just watched her leave, his other three brides now thrown off their pedestals and being pushed to maid rank, he didn't give them a second glance. His Countess needed her time, he would give it to her for now.

The Scottish brunette went from room to room, exploring, wondering why some doors were locked and others weren't. She'd eventually get the information out of her Count; she knew that, but for now she needed to calm down. She found a room that lead to the large balcony overlooking the nearest town. It was beautiful. The mountains were as black as night, the skies dark and clouds parted just then to reveal the moon. Though only a crecent moon it was beautiful! It gave off a glow she had never seen before, she felt as if she could almost touch the rays coming from it. Her gaze fell upon the town once more and she gasped as her eyesight focused, making her feel as if she were traveling quickly; she grabbed hold of the stone rail and leaned back a bit then forward again. She could see the people in their homes, she could hear them! But she could not understand them, however she could tell they were afraid; afraid of the dark, afraid of the night! Sitting in wait, waiting for … something or someone! She spun around as she felt a strong heavy presence behind her.

"Oh, it's you."

"Is that the only greeting I will get my beloved?"

Dracula mused, shaking his head and taking his place beside Lana.

"They fear us, they wait for us. To come and take those we want to feast on. Never feast in town. Always bring your victims here. It's so amusing to see them struggle, to let them run, get lost like rats in a maze and then to watch their fear emerge in their eyes and all hope get lost as we finally sink our teeth into their necks, drinking their life blood from them. It's such a joy, such a thrill! Even still after all these centuries."

The brunette was quiet, staring at her Count, thinking.

"How old are ye? Who-"

She stopped herself and shook her head, her anger had subsided without her noticing.

"My name is Wladislaus Dragulea. I was Voivode of Wallachia. I am better known as Vlad Tepes; the Impaler!"

Dracula spoke proudly, however not disclosing his age. Lana stared at him in shock. She'd heard of him, read snippets from history books, being told stories; short stories.

"Ye cannae be!"

"Oh but I am. I must enforce a rule upon you my Countess. Do not take more than your fill. We don't want to wipe out a village just because we can. One human a night, depending on what size you get. Should you take an adult that adult will feed you for a whole month. A child, an infant, that's a nightly feed. An elderly person, you need to feed once every two weeks."

"Child? Infant?"

She looked horrified; why would she feed from babies?! The two stood there a while before she felt herself being taken away, back inside. She didn't fight it and looked up to find herself in a beautiful room, though worn; this room had seen better days. However she could see past the old, mouldy decor and see what the room used to look like.

"Was this yer room?"

"It was."

The silence crept up on the two once more, it was not an uncomfortable or an awkward silence; more of a silence of understanding. No words had to be spoken as she walked around the room, looking at various things, being allowed to pick some things up and put them back down. Faded paintings hung on the walls but with her new eyes she could make them out. Dracula used to be the Impaler! To think she was now married to such a … man? Creature? She started to feel drowsy, tired. She looked out the window and could see the various colors of the sky changing, a sort of panic rose up inside her. Dracula walked over, putting his arm around her and shielding her eyes with his cape.

"Dawn approaches, it is time to go to sleep."

"Th' coffin…"

"My dearest Lana; death, is only the beginning."