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Ariana gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried out after Elina.

Alone now, Cneajna held me close, gently rocking me in her embrace.

“Was he displeased with you?”

“He raped me! He forced me to-to-“

“You resisted our husband?” Cneajna sounded absolutely horrified.

“I did not want him to violate me!”

“But he is your husband! That is his right!”

“But it is my body! What about my right?”

Cneajna tilted her head, her brows lowering. “I do not understand, my dearest. I do not understand how you could refuse him. ”

I began to sob even more as I realized that Cneajna truly did not understand my degradation.

“There, there,” Cneajna whispered sounding very much like my poor dead father. “I am here. I will not leave you. You are not alone. ”

I wept in Cneajna’s arms taking what comfort I could from the woman who was my vampire mother. But contrary to her words, I knew I was alone. More alone than I could have ever believed possible.

Chapter 12

The Journal of Sir Stephen Sheridan

18th of July, 1819

I am most distressed.

This morning as I strode across the fine marble floors of my offices, I felt that something was oddly amiss in the world. I approached my secretary with a certain sense of anxiety. He immediately presented me with today’s post. Retiring to my office, I began to sort through the letters with trembling hands.

Ever since I found out my wife posted a letter for Edric just before he and his family left for Count Dracula’s castle, I have lived in dire dread. It had been Dracula’s express desire that no one should know of the Wrights' destination. If Edric mentioned in his letter to his son that he was on his way to Dracula’s castle, it could cause complications.

As I feared, a letter from the Viscount came into view. I ripped open the letter and read at once:

Dear Father, Mother, May and Glynis,

Angeline and I miss you dreadfully. I do so hope you depart soon for home. We have just learned that Angeline is with child and we both would like it very much if you could be here for the birth.

All is well with the estate. We finished the addition to the stables and have begun digging the new well. Our businesses are running quite well and I will not bore you with the details.

How did things go with Count Dracula? Did he have a fine castle? I suppose there will be no marriage. No offense, Glynis, but I am sure you did something to displease him. Do not fret, Mother. Lord Nigel is asking after her again. See, Glynis, we will marry you off in good time.

I shall keep this short, but will write again soon. I shall await your response.

With much love and great affection,

Andrew and Angeline

And then, to my dismay, I saw a letter with the distinctive red wax seal imprinted with a D. Ripping it open, I felt a great burden of fear descend upon me. For it read:

My dear friend,

Meet me in Bistri?a in a fortnight. There is much to discuss.

Your Friend,