Chapter Three: No One Should Be Lonely

The castle was old enough that the windows were not covered with glass, but I did not feel the chill as I leaned out into the wind. The winter sunlight bounced off my sparkling skin, and I breathed deeply of the untainted country air. I could live as a recluse, I thought lazily, as I turned back to my guest room.

I had borrowed an ancient text from the Count's extensive library; between dashing around the world and sitting in my room moping, I'd studied as much as possible in the way of languages, art, literature, drama, music, dance, the sciences, even a little mathematics, though I'd dropped that quickly.

"Enjoying that?" Vlad, the infamous Count Dracula, interrupted my reading.

"I haven't seen an original Machiavelli in such good condition before!" I exclaimed. "I have access to a copy of this, but it's far to worn to actually read."

"Or you could pick up a brand new copy at the bookstore." He joked. "Keep it, I'm done with many of those."

"Thanks. Nothing beats the smell of the Renaissance." I laughed, though decided to not lead him on. "I don't want to impose. We should begin as early as possible."

"We can talk in the morning." He nodded, "but you may stay as long as you wish."

"If you don't mind then, I may try my hand at your local game before I leave." I motioned towards the hills. "New hunting grounds are always a challenge."

"And your team?" He inquired, "Are they comfortable?"

"I'm sure they are." I answered. When I decided to give Aro the benefit of the doubt and join the excursion to Romania, I replaced the senior member of the group, and was now accompanied by three of the newest members of the Guard – some barely out of training. I recalled their gasps of wonder when they saw the castle and the rocky, steep mountains.

I hoped that the conversation was over – I wanted to return to my book, but the Count persisted.

"Would you like me to build you a fire?"

"Umm… No thank you." I replied. "The light is fine here."

"Would you like me to read aloud to you?"

I was irritated now, "No, thank you, Vlad. The trip was taxing, I'd like some time alone."

"If you really wish…" He muttered as he left the room. I grunted and raised my eyebrows in the mirror across the room. Thousands of years old, and he was still clueless.

OOOOOOOOOO

"You indicated to the brothers that you wished for a quiet discussion." I began, in business mode now, my trainees watching from chairs behind me.

"Yes." The Count nodded. "I have an important matter to bring to the table."

"Then let's begin." I looked him in the eye. It was the best way of keeping tension in the air, and thus keeping the matter as diplomatic as possible.

He looked me back in the eye. "Miss Isabella, I have not been discreet in my actions, and you are an intelligent woman. I brought you here because I am hopelessly in love with you, and wish to marry you, if you would do me the honor."

My mouth dropped open, and I swore I could hear some stifled snickers from behind me. "I will most certainly not." I answered, shoving my chair backwards, indignant. "You brought me all the way out here for that?"

"It's an exceptionally serious matter." He replied, his withered face and wispy hair shaking at my rejection. "I just proposed to you, and you treat it like it's not even an option."

"It's not." I tried to breathe calmly, "I can't even believe that you would think, for one second – "

"Leave us for a moment." The Count dismissed my team members.

"I think that they ought to stay!" I countered, but they were already gone, probably trembling from the attention of the fabled count. I collapsed back into the chair and buried my face in my hands. Why me? Of all vampires, why me?

"Isabella," he moved to sit on the edge of the desk and look in my face. "Isabella, do you loathe me that much? Am I that repulsive to you – just an old man, just a myth of children's nightmares, a hermit that feeds on villagers to live? Are you afraid of the loneliness of my home? My dear, we could live anywhere!"

I refused to look up, as he knelt next to my chair and took my face in his hands, so that we were on a level. He spoke in hushed tones now, "Or is it true?

"Is it true that you are more dead than the undead? That your heart is beyond repair?"

He stood up and turned to look out the tall window, standing between the heavy, dark drapes.

"Then you're a silly girl! A lovesick teenager! You choose to live in mourning for a lost lover than to move on? You think nothing of happiness!" He turned back to me, his eyes pleading.

"You could make me happy. I could make you happy."

"Really," I stood up, clearing my throat, "If there's nothing more to discuss, then we must be on our way."

I dashed out the door and ran to my room, throwing my belongings into my knapsack, breathing heavily, and feeling the weight of sadness. Vlad lived alone: immortal and alone.

I met him in the hallway, bringing me a small stack of books. "For the journey home. Some of your favorites." He explained.

I zipped the books into my bag and turned to my old friend. "There shouldn't be any bad blood between us." I laughed feebly, "or, so to speak. I wish I could make you happy, but I can't."

He looked downtrodden, but I mimicked his previous action and lifted his chin so that his eyes met mine. "As a member of the Volturi and a representative for the family, you are more than welcome to join us, to live with us, to work with the Guard – anytime you want."

"Thank you." He said, pulling me into an awkward hug.

"No one should be lonely." I said, and firmly believed it.

"Sanders, Joshua, Erick!" I called my team members to me.

I took one last glance at the ancient man. "Your hospitality has been excellent. Thank you."

This was the second time I'd left behind someone who loved me, and I was powerless to stop myself.