Onyxx: I have a new story idea, but I'll wait until this one is done...
Dracula: What's this one about?
Onyxx: … Not you, so keep your nose out of mah biznis.
Dracula: … Is it that Kids Kicking Cancer fundraising thing on GB Dot Net that gave you the idea?
Onyxx: … Maaaaaaaaaybe. Maybe not.
Dracula: … You are just OBSESSED with Gerard Butler, aren't you?
Onyxx: I never said I wasn't.
Chapter Two:
Anna tossed and turned in her sleep. Her eyes fluttered behind her lids.
Anastasie …
She groaned, turning onto her side.
Anastasie …
My Anastasie … my princess …
Come to me, Anastasie …
Warmth surrounded her, warm darkness. The shadow held her in its arms, warm and gentle. And that name, that strange, funny name … she'd heard it somewhere, she was sure of it.
Anastasie …
The wind whipped her hair around her face. Her dark black curls were tugged around her face. The blanket on her shoulders seemed to have a life of its own. Her white dress flapped around her legs. The wind was chilly.
How the hell did I get out here?
Ana … stasie …
Strong, warm arms wrapped around her. Anna jumped, startled, then leaned into the embrace.
"My princess," the voice said. Deep, slightly accented, and erotic, the sound of the shadow's voice seemed to swallow her whole. She felt warm and safe and loved.
A hand held hers, then the other trailed down her side to her leg.
"My princess," he repeated, pulling her into his chest from behind. The Shadow's lips were at her ear.
Anna sought his hand, clutching it, as his lips went to her neck.
Two sharp fangs pricked her skin, and she gasped, closing her eyes in ecstasy.
Her shoulders were shaken by the hands of her mother, and Anna opened her eyes drowsily. "M-Mom?" she grumbled.
Her mother looked worried. "Anna, you were having a nightmare!" she said. "Come on, honey. Breakfast is ready."
Anna tossed the comforter off her legs, sitting up. Her mother started to leave the room.
"Mom?" she called.
She turned. "Yes?"
"My … biological parents … What did they name me? Like, they were French, right? Or something? What was my real name?"
Her mother tapped her chin. "When we adopted you, your name was something like Anastasie Victoire," she said. Her mother then turned and left the room.