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He flung back his head, laughed, and released me. “We shall talk soon, wife. We shall talk soon, but tonight, I shall indulge myself. ” He buried his face in Ariana’s neck and drew her tight against him. She cooed and wrapped her limbs around him.

I turned from them, released from my torment, despite the carnage that lay about me. I would surrender to the hunger, but I would find my own way. And I would be stronger for it.

Slick with blood, but strong in spirit, I walked from the throne room, transformed, released and determined.

Now I sit alone, writing, and knowing fully that my resolve to escape, to fulfill my promise to my mother, will be fruitful. I saw in Vlad’s eyes tonight a glimmer of respect. I realize he is now enamored with my strength and cunning.

If I am wise, if I am clever, I may be able to use this to free myself.

Though I have given into the beast that is the hunger, I am not afraid. I am still Lady Glynis Wright.

Chapter 15

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright-The Castle

12th of October, 1819

I have not written in my diary for so long. I have tried to set pen to paper on several occasions, but could not bear to record the drudgery that has become my existence. Since the night of our feast, I have played a dangerous game with Vlad. I acquiesce to his demands in order to bide my time. I know that I am growing stronger as time goes on, and if he believes me to be obedient, he is more likely to allow us to feed and not go hungry.

At first I felt very clever in my plans to lure him into believing that I am resigned to be his Bride, but of late I have begun to chaff at the restrictions on my life. I have grown increasingly defiant. I was beginning to doubt my plans, but now I see I must curb my natural desire to war against Vlad.

Tonight, a new moon hid its face from the night and darkness dwelt heavily over the land. As soon as I awakened I was in a pensive mood. A heaviness in my heart came with awareness. Dread permeated my every thought. When I slipped from my coffin, I stood in morose silence, seeking to find the will to venture out into the night. I had grown so weary of this new life with its constraints and I yearned for England and my family.

At last, I followed the sounds of my vampire sisters chasing each other through the castle. Their gaiety was repugnant to me, but I found myself at a loss as to what to do to get me through the barren night.

I followed the sound of the vampire women laughing and ended up wandering out into the night. Within the tangled web of the gardens of the castle, Dracula’s Brides played with no regard to the lack of moonlight.

Laughing with delight, Cneajna prowled through the darkness, peering under decaying benches and pressing the dead foliage aside with her hands. Her eyes glimmered with red fire as I watched her seek out my sisters.

I drew near a fountain and stared into the night sky. I was in no mood to indulge myself in their games. Ariana moved past me, crawling along the floor like a strange insect on her fingertips and toes. I looked away from her disturbing form into the dank, still waters of the fountain. A faint reflection gazed up at me from the murky water, and I sighed sadly.

There was wild laughter when Cneajna uncovered Elina hiding behind a tree and there was a mad dash through the dead garden. I watched them as their long hair and skirts flowed around them as they rushed deeper into the gloom and further away.

I was glad for it.

I returned my gaze to the night sky. I watched for any sign of the stars to give me comfort. All that greeted my gaze were thick, heavy clouds that loomed over me like a crushing hand. Then, out of that dismal sky, fell a small speck of silvery ice. I watched in silent reverie as the first snowflake fell to earth. Then another followed, dancing on the night breeze, twisting as it fell. I stepped into its path and felt its cold little kiss on my cheek.

Then the sky opened and the snow fell, sweetly, softly, to hide away the dead plants of the garden and fill the night with glowing brightness.

Vlad found me in the garden, enraptured by the beauty of the snowfall. My gaze was turned upwards as I watched the dance of the snowflakes.

“Glynis,” he said softly from the doorway.

I turned to him, my gaze narrowing. I knew I was visibly upset with his interruption of my small moment of peace.

“Yes?”

“A word with you,” he said, beckoning to me with one hand. His green eyes were thoughtful as he gazed upon me.

I sighed, stepping toward him. There was a soft crunch beneath my slipper and I looked down to see the ground was already covered in a fine layer of powder.

“Come along, Glynis. I have some business that must be attended to and I need your assistance. ” He looked past me and motioned with his hand.

I glanced over my shoulder to see the three Brides emerging from the snow, their gowns seeming to dissolve into the swirling flakes.

“Ariana and Elina, I need both of you to leave the castle. There is a man staying at the inn in the village. He is waiting for you. I will soon have a parcel ready for you to take to him. Dress as Gypsy women, then wait for my summons. ”

“As you desire, Master,” Ariana said, sliding past him with a flirtatious smile.