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So why now, after these horrible last days, do I pick up my pen and write in my journal?

It is because he brought her to me.

As the dungeon door swung open on rusted hinges, I rose up from where I had been seated on the filthy floor. Light pierced through the blackness of the cell. I drew upon some in

ner strength and lifted my chin, my hands smoothing out my dirty skirt.

After all, I am a Countess.

The lantern raised and revealed the sharp angular features of Prince Vlad Dracula. “It is I, madam. ”

My stomach coiled into a tight knot. Was this then the time of my death? Had I waited here these last horrible days in this dreadful place tormented by the memory of my dear husband’s demise, fearing for my daughters, to only face death now? Well, if that was the truth, I would face it. To be released from this place even if it also means to be released from my earthly shell, so be it. I cannot endure this hell any longer.

“Why are you here?”

My voice was so calm.

Remarkable.

Prince Vlad seemed amused that even here in this dismal, filthy hole I still retained my dignity.

“You look well. ”

“That is not an answer to my question,” I snapped at him.

Those too-red lips just pulled into a sinister smile. “I brought you a visitor. ”

“May,” I whispered with hope.

“Oh, she is dead and gone,” Prince Vlad answered casually.

I clasped my hands over my heart and took hold of my rosary. I kissed it softly and raised my tear filled eyes. “May you burn in hell, sir. May you burn in hell!”

He laughed at my curse.

“You are a monster!” I held my tiny little crucifix in my hand and felt it warm against my fingers. I had noticed how he kept back from it, so I now raised it in his direction. I saw him flinch, and I laughed at him. “You know what you are! Damned! Cursed! You will burn for your evils!”

He hissed at me and drew back slightly. “I am not alone in my damnation, dear lady. ”

From behind Prince Vlad emerged a woman dressed in a long filmy light blue gown made of the most delicate of silks. It shimmered in the light and was almost transparent. Countless jewels set in gold and silver encircled the woman’s limbs and throat. Long ropes of pearls and other precious stones were woven into her red hair. It took several moments before I realized that this voluptuous creature with the bright, aquamarine eyes and ruby lips was my own daughter.

“Glynis! No!”

The creature saw my cross and shrank back from it, whimpering.

The paralyzing truth dawned on me.

“No! You monster, how could you? How could you do this to her! You have cursed her!” I screamed at him. “You filthy, vile monster! May God damn you to the deepest pit in Hell!”

Prince Vlad chuckled at me. “Such language from a fine Catholic woman. ”

“You are a devil!”

Prince Vlad smiled, his fingers playing with a lock of my daughter’s hair. “Yes, I am. And now, so is she. ”

I thrust out my cross at him and he shrank back from the doorway. Glynis also cried out and covered her face. I quickly covered the cross with my fingers.

Prince Vlad laughed at me, recognizing my love for what it was: weakness. “Enjoy your visit. ” He turned and swept out of the cell, leaving the lantern resting on the floor.