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Dracula’s sharp fangs slid out of my flesh as his tongue and lips found the places that brought me the greatest pleasure. I flailed as I tried to push him away from me. I always hated him for the way he could make me writhe and cry out.

“Vlad!” I sobbed.

One strong, muscled arm pushed out from my covers and his hand settled over my heart. It was racing beneath his fingers. I pressed my feet against his hips, trying to push him from me. But, God help me, I struggled with my resolve. I was gasping and shuddering with sweet agony as his tongue seduced me.

“Vlad!”

Like a snake striking, he rose swiftly from beneath the covers, his hips pressed hard against mine. He hovered over me, his muscled chest, neck, and mouth stained with my blood. His green eyes flashed red.

“Release me, and I shall make love to you as before,” he whispered.

“No, never!”

“Come to me. Restore me. Release me, my love. ” His mouth found mine in a smoldering kiss.

“No!” I gasped against his lips. “No. This is my life! You are but a phantom! You are not real!”

Laughing his rich, dark laugh, he lowered his head. “Are you so certain?” His teeth bit savagely into my throat.

I woke screaming.

It was only seconds before Adem burst into my room, his sword in his hand. He must have been sleeping, for he was barefooted and clad only in trousers. I was horrified to see the deep and terrible scars that covered his chest and arms. Circling the room, he soon realized I was alone.

Shivering under my covers, I pressed my face into my pillows, stifling sobs.

“I heard you cry out,” Adem finally said, mystified.

“I did. It was a nightmare. I am sorry for disturbing you. ”

Closing the door, Adem stood with his hand upon the wood. He did not look toward me, respecting my privacy.

“I heard you call out your husband’s name. ”

“It was a nightmare. He was in it. ”

“He has hurt you,” Adem stated.

“Yes. ”

“Beyond the murder of your family. ”

“Yes. ”

“And that is what you dreamed of?”

I sobbed in disgrace, nodding my head though he could not see me. “I am sorry, Adem, for awakening you with ridiculous dreams. ”

“I am just glad you are safe and unharmed,” Adem responded in a hushed voice. “I will go now. ” He began to open the door, but hesitated. “I am sorry for whatever he has done to you and that I could not help you in that time of great need and despair. ”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Silently, he exited my room, closing and locking the door behind him.

Sobbing, I sat in my bed, listening to the distant choir as my heart cried out for Ignatius.

May 22, 1820

Dearest Countess Dracula,