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She nodded, bowed to me, then scurried away.

As I was helped into the carriage, I hesitated and looked upwards. Above me, two pale faces darted back from a darkened window. With a rueful smile, I let myself be lifted into the carriage and settled back into the seat.

The door shut firmly and I found myself alone in the carriage. For a moment, a mere moment, I felt the ghosts of my family with me. I lowered my head and whispered a prayer for their souls.

As the carriage rolled out of the courtyard to begin its journey to Bistri?a , I could not help but look back one more time at the castle. Its countenance was a blur as once more tears seized me. I was leaving alone. I had lost all. My mortal family. My vampire family. And my Master.

As the castle vanished slowly from view, I finally released it from my gaze and settled back into my chair.

Slowly, very slowly, I began to smile as I realized that at last, I was truly, fully, free.

Epilogue

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

The Golden Krone Hotel, Bistri?a

5th of May, 1820

Soon I depart for Buda. All is arranged. I have sent letters to Sir Stephen and the Baroness from Count Vlad Dracula explaining he has reconsidered his actions and wishes to see them at once. They are gullible enough to believe the lies I wrote in those letters. Of that I am certain. When I signed the letters with Vlad’s florid “D” and sealed it with red wax and his signet, I smiled.

I know Vlad would be proud of me.

Now I sit writing in my journal. I have fed well and I feel strong. It is two days since I left the castle and I feel at peace at last. I have written letters to my brother in England and a few of my friends as well. It was a move that felt remarkably human and wonderful. I am not quite certain how I shall explain my widowhood, but I am certain I can conjure just as fascinating a story as Vlad did about my “accident. ”

I did attempt to visit Erzsébet one last time, but to my dismay, I could not find the cemetery in which she rests. I suspect that Vlad’s last errand before his unmaking was to secure her resting-place with magic. I was quite forlorn by this turn of events, but perhaps eventually his ward will fade so I will be able to liberate my tragic sister.

What I must relish now is that I am free of Vlad. And, surprisingly, it was Vlad who gave me the strength to liberate myself.

Strangely, I almost miss him.

Perhaps I am more a monster than I wish to admit, but in our last nights together, I understand now we had reached a greater understanding than I had realized. Vlad knew I would never love him, but had been satisfied to have a strong partner at his side. I had realized that despite my fierce hatred of the man, he had taught me to be strong and to feel confident in my own abilities. Vlad was right. We were a powerful pair. Now we shall never know how great our true potential could have been.

Astir’s prediction has come true. It is a wonderful relief that it was not my beloved Ignatius who suffered. Vlad and Cneajna created me together. I suppose it was inevitable that I should have to destroy them to be free.

So what shall I do now?

I shall return to Buda and find Ignatius. I am at last free to love him fully and freely. We will be together, I swear it.

I shall also claim Vlad’s estate as my own since I am his wife by his own declaration. It is only my right.

And, of course, I shall get my revenge upon those who destroyed my family. I am not quite done yet with Sir Stephen or the Baroness. Vlad gave them to me and I will have them.

Again tonight, I considered taking Vlad’s ring from my finger. But as I gazed at it, I realized that I should keep it upon my hand as a reminder. Vlad Dracula was a powerful, remarkable man who did as he pleased. He taught me well. So I shall keep the ring upon my finger.

For after all, I know two things about myself.

I was born Lady Glynis Wright.

But I am now Countess Dracula.