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“Be silent!”

Vlad stretched out his long vampire body, rippling with fine muscles. “I am a god to my people. A savior that surpasses all others. You,” he pointed at me, “are honored above all other women. ”

“I am cursed!”

“A curse is a blessing that is not appreciated,” Vlad retorted. “I like you much better this way. Alive with English pomp!”

“You stole my purity!”

“And Christian morality! Tell me, Glynis, were you a good girl who said her prayers every night and attended church faithfully?” He was laughing at me, his rage fading from his features.

I felt my gut boiling with anger. “You stupid bastard! I hate you and I will never stop hating you!”

Vlad moved a few steps toward me, menacing and dark. “Your words mean nothing to me. ”

“I will never come to you again willingly!”

“I do not care. ”

“You will have to drag me in here!”

“Then I will drag you in here. ”

“You will have to force me!”

“Then I will!” He grabbed my by my throat. “You do not seem to understand, my dear Glynis. You are my possession to do with as I please. How you feel about what I decide to do with your beautiful body is of no importance to me. I do not want your love or your adoration. It would be pleasant, yes, but I do not require it. ” Vlad’s face drew close to mine. “But I do want you to give me the respect that I am due. If you ever ignore me again, I will tie you down and give you to the gypsy men. They know that there is no finer pleasure than lying down with a female vampire. I have done it to another. ”

“I will kill you,” I voiced softly in a tone that was deadly as well as sincere. “I will find a way and I will kill you. I promise you that. ” I stared directly into his eyes.

His eyes narrowed. “Many have tried. ” Releasing me, he moved back to the bed and languidly lay across it. “Leave. ” He gestured toward the door and I heard the audible click of the lock.

I needed no further order. I ran to the door and pulled on the latch. To my relief, it did open. Fleeing into the darkened corridor, I felt tears on my face. Dashing haphazardly up crumbling staircases and across rotting floors, I made my way back to the chambers of the Brides. With relief, I saw the firelight trickling into the hall and the sound of Ariana singing in her high soprano voice. I stumbled into the main chamber.

Ariana stopped in mid-verse and Cneajna looked up from her needlework. Only Elina did not turn to view me, haggard and panting, in the doorway.

“Glynis!”

I rushed to Cneajna and fell at her feet, burying my face in the folds of her gown.

Gently, she leaned over me, smoothing my tangled red tresses. “My dearest, do not cry. ”

Ariana hurried over and crouched beside me. “What is wrong, sweet sister? Why do you cry?”

“She could not satisfy our husband,” Elina declared from where she stood. “And he beat her for it. ”

“Is that true?” Cneajna smoothed my hair with her fingers. “Did he beat you?”

“He raped me! The monster raped me!” I raised my face to her, pleading for her understanding.

A look of bewilderment crossed over her face. “I do not understand. ”

Ilona appeared in the doorway. “The Master is waiting. ”

“I will not go back,” I screamed at her.

“He calls for Ariana and Elina,” Ilona answered me.

“I told you!” Elina looked triumphant. “She could not satisfy him. Come, Ariana, our husband awaits us. ”