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I was weeping; the hunger so painful that I felt I was being ripped apart into tiny pieces. Grasping the hilt, I helped Ariana in her attempt to pry open the lock. Elina joined her hands with ours, and together we tried to break open the doors.

Cneajna huddled on the floor behind us, clawing at her hair in despair. I felt the metal began to bend, and I cried out with relief. “It is opening!”

Cneajna threw herself at us and grabbed hold of the sword. We were all so very weak. Together we strained as the metal slowly ben

t and the wood splintered.

“There! We have done it!” Elina exclaimed, her fingers tugging at the giant latch. The sword clanged to the stone floor. I pulled on the door with all my might and it swung open on rusted hinges.

“Yes! Yes!” Cneajna gasped in delight.

The crisp night air fanned over us as we crouched together in the doorway. The invisible barrier erected by Prince Vlad’s dark powers still kept us from racing into the night, but somehow, just seeing the evening sky hovering over the courtyard gave us a measure of solace.

But the hunger still raged within us.

“We will starve. If no one comes, we will starve!” Elina collapsed to her knees, clutching the door in anguish.

Ariana began to wail with fear and hunger.

I pressed my body against the power holding us captive. I could not break through it. Screaming, I pressed my body against the invisible shield and wept.

The Journal of Sir Stephen

4th of September, 1819

Count Dracula’s new plans are now set in motion. He seems quite pleased with the situation, and I can only feel a sense of relief. Despite my admiration for the man, I do admit that he frightens me deeply. That he could take our potentially difficult predicament and use it to serve his purposes is a profound reminder that he was once a great Prince of Wallachia.

After all had been settled in Buda, it was decided that we would travel back to the castle together. I would then continue on alone to see to the sale of one of his properties to finance his newest endeavor. I was not very comfortable traveling such a great length with the Prince, but I fortified myself with the thought of regaining his trust. Throughout our time together, I have noticed him watching me with acute scrutiny. It frightens me terribly. I am determined to sweep away any mistrust he may have in me.

Leave it to an infernal woman to cause me such despair!

Count Dracula was surprisingly entertaining during our trip. He recounted many of his great exploits in years past without the usual bitterness he expresses when remembering all the betrayals he suffered as a mortal. I admit his joviality frightened me somewhat. It was so unexpected. I suppose I have become accustomed to his arrogance and his sharpness. To see him smile so widely was rather unnerving.

Perhaps it is because he is no longer a man, but it always startles me how easily he sits in a swaying and jolting carriage. I sat across from him, holding tightly to the safety straps, fearing for my very life. Yet he sat there, talking to me, gesturing casually, his green eyes glinting at me.

I am certain he was amused by my white knuckles and terrified expression.

Then, suddenly, he became quite amused. His disturbing laugh filled the darkness of the carriage as we traveled toward the decaying remains of his once impressive castle.

“They are really in quite an uproar. Screaming and carrying on. ” Count Dracula chuckled as he slapped his gloves against my knee. “Women!”

I forced a laugh, not certain what he was speaking of.

“I hear my wives. They are quite upset that I have been gone for so long,” he said.

“Oh, yes. Your wives! I only have one wife, thank goodness. You have three! How do you stand it? Women can be so insufferable. ”

“Four wives,” the Count said. “Remember, Glynis is now my Bride. And yes, they are all insufferable in their own way. ”

I tried not to look uncomfortable, and nodded. “Oh, yes, Lady Glynis. I was rather surprised that you…changed her. I mean, sir, I know that you said you fancied her, but I thought perhaps the hunting was rather scarce up here and you needed…” I faltered in my words. I always grow nervous when discussing the vampire thirst for blood. Though I have served Count Dracula for more than twelve years now, I am always aware of the possibility of him turning on me.

Count Dracula flashed his long teeth as he smiled. “My dear friend, the hunting is always good up in the mountains. Especially now that the British Empire has expanded and young English aristocrats are exploring the world. I rather like the English. Their rational minds will not accept what their eyes see. It is rather amusing to hear them screaming that I do not exist. ”

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable with his words. I knew their rationale all too well. “Master, they have not lived in this land. They do not know the secrets I have learned. ”

“Ah, but I remember your protest, my good friend. I remember when I first came to you for assistance in establishing myself in the world of mortals. ”

I hate the way Dracula’s eyes glow like dark coals in the darkness of the night. The Count was in good humor tonight, his visit to Buda being the success he had desired. But Dracula being in good humor can be even more dangerous than his dark moods. I could tell he was chiding me and playing with me like a mere child. But perhaps that is all I am when compared with his great years.