Chapter 12 – The Wedding
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Disclaimer: We do not own anything from the marvelous movie, Van Helsing. The only things we do own are Luminita and Lovette:)
Summary: Lovette and Luminita were just normal girls living in the 19th Century, but it all changed when they find an injured man in a river. They decide they will shelter and nurse him back to health, but because of it, Dracula kidnaps one of them. Both girls are stuck with men they don't really care for. Now things become dangerous when Dracula discovers a dark secret of their past. How will they survive?
x
"Come on!" Luminita wanted to scream, but her throat was dry, "Please, we have to get out of here!"
She couldn't hold back her cry as another werewolf leaped from the bush in front of Van Helsing. Luminita knew it was over.
The werewolf lunged at them, but suddenly stopped abruptly. Something was different... A rough growl came from the creature's throat. The werewolf wasn't even moving. Luminita looked up in shock.
Van Helsing was standing before the werewolf... and speaking to it!
He was grunting and growling in a deepened voice, an inhuman tinge to the sound. The werewolf looked at the man intently, eyes glowing with intelligence that Luminita, until now, had failed to see. She couldn't understand a word they were talking about. But the fact that Van Helsing was actually talking to the beast was a mixture of both wonder and fear. At the moment, what Luminita felt was fear. Fear that she was going to lose the human half of Van Helsing. Someone she had gotten so close to...
Her heart suddenly felt so weak, and yet so determined at the same time, it confused her. She could only stare in shock and wait for their conversation to end.
Finally, after a few minutes, Van Helsing looked up at Luminita. This motion made her jump. The feeling didn't last long, because Van Helsing answered her questions. "We just talked of a negotiation."
"What do you mean?" Luminita asked uncertainly, "How did you..."
"Once a werewolf, you never forget the tongue. By not killing her, we now have a guide to Dracula's whereabouts," Van Helsing spoke, and his lips widening into a smile.
Luminita's face light up immediately. "Oh thank you so much, Mr. Van Helsing!"
"You're welcome, or rather, thank my curse and the she-wolf that's going to lead the way."
x
For the rest of the afternoon, Van Helsing and Luminita followed the beautiful wolf down a long snow path. The wolf remained silent the whole way, only making a sound when she sniffed the air. She barely took notice of the two travelers behind her.
Van Helsing and Luminita remained quiet. They kept their eyes upon the wolf and nothing else, making sure she did not turn around for an attack.
"Did she tell you anything about herself?" Luminita asked, trying to lighten the mood and find out more about their guide.
"Only that her whole family became a slave to Dracula when she was a pup. She's hoping that we might be able to free her from him by killing him." Van Helsing told her.
Luminita gulped, "Do you really think it will work?"
The hunter shrugged, "I am unfamiliar with this, but I believe so. If we are to kill him, she will be free and her family will be avenged.
"I hope so." Luminita thought, feeling for the poor wolf. She slapped her forehead.
Poor wolf? She thought, That thing could swallow us both whole without a glass of water!
"Does she know anything about Lovette?" Luminita asked, becoming more and more concerned for the safety of her friend. Now that she was beginning to remember the past, she didn't doubt that Lovette was in more danger than ever.
Van Helsing looked ahead, "I'll ask." From the bottom of his throat, he let out a low growl. The wolf stopped and looked at him. Van Helsing made a couple more groans before he stopped. The wolf had lowered her ears and was gazing at Van Helsing with sad eyes. She whined, before turning back and picking up speed.
"Well?" Luminita asked.
Van Helsing gulped, "We're running out of time. Dracula's going to use her for something... and I fear she will not be alive at the end."
"What! How can that be?!" Luminita cried, "What will he do to her!?"
Van Helsing cringed, "I don't want to think about it."
He looked up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set now. And long bloody streaks were filling the snow.
x
Lovette was sobbing as she looked out the window and grazed at the bloody sunset. She turned away and looked sadly down at the pillow she was hugging to her chest. It was soaked with tears.
So this is how I end my life? She thought, As a blood sucking monster? Suddenly, her eyes became sharp.
No... not like this. I will not become a victim of him... I will fight! Lovette knew then that she could cry no more. She had to be strong. She had to get out of here... she had to see Luminita and Mr. Van Helsing again.
Dracula had locked her in the room after last night, vowing to not let anyone come near his bride, and if she tried to escape, the result would be dangerous.
"I would hate to have to mar your beautiful skin before the wedding of your dreams." Dracula had whispered.
Lovette didn't care anymore. She couldn't sit around here and wait for her death. She wouldn't become a damsel in distress as in her much loved books. She had only one chance to get out and that was tonight! She got up off her bed and walked over to the door, it was locked tight.
"There has got to be something I can use!" She thought, looking around. "Come on, Lovette, use your brain!"
Her eyes fell upon the desk beside her bed. On top of the desk was an iron tipped pen and several small sewing pins.
"Maybe"… she thought. She grabbed the pen and the pins and ran back over to the door. She stuck the pen in the keyhole along with one pin and began to wiggle it a bit.
"Come on…" She whispered, "If a Victorian gentleman can do it, then so can I." Remembering a passage from one of her favorite stories.
Finally, with a tiny click, the door opened.
"Yes!" She thought. She stuck the pen in her pocket and raced from the room and down the narrow passageways. She had to get out before Dracula woke up and she was running out of time!
x
Lovette ran as she felt her hair flow behind her back. The wind that blew at her face made her eyes sting, it was sharp like ice. This time, she wasn't going to fear anything. What was there to fear?
Dracula was an immortal, yes, but that didn't mean he couldn't be killed. If she could escape from this awful place the Count called 'home', then perhaps she might have some hope of living. The air was cold and haunting, despite the fact that the sun was up. Looking behind her back just in case, Lovette whirled back at the long passageways that never seemed to end.
"Oh God, please help me get through this," Lovette whispered to herself. Something small had been bothering her when she was trapped inside the room though. She wasn't running blind. She could see her surroundings as clear as crystal, and this made her shiver.
What did Dracula do to her during her dream state? Lovette didn't even want to think about it, after seeing the old Dracula in her dream. Then she remembered Luminita and Van Helsing. They hadn't changed a bit. Even as as a sister with a different name, Luminita was always a friend to her. Always strong and beautiful. And Mr. Van Helsing... well, he hadn't changed at all either, still as pure of heart as he had been so long ago. Unfortunately, Dracula hasn't changed at all either... Lovette thought with a chill.
Her feet quickly brought her in front of a door made of ice. She gazed at it with a slightly bewildered look on her face.
What on earth...? Lovette thought.
She bit her lip. She could see no doorknob on the door. She touched it, and gave out a gasp of surprise as the door glowed, a hand print appearing on the ice. Cold breeze blew harder at her direction, and Lovette turned around to gaze around her back again. She could see no one in the dark passageway, but she knew if she didn't work quickly, there would be.
"How am I going to get over this?" Lovette questioned to herself. "Think, Think, Lovette! You have a brain, this is your chance to use it!"
Lovette tilted her head, and searched for any cracks in the ice, maybe she could break though. Then she found something down below the block of ice... A Latin inscription... She ran her fingers over it gently.
"In the name of god, open this door..." Lovette read it smoothly, her knowledge coming to use with beautiful timing. Suddenly, the ice was no longer what it used to be. An abnormal reaction started to happen to the door, and slowly a silvery liquid washed over the ice until at last it replaced itself into becoming... to Lovette's surprise... a mirror.
"Wow..." Lovette whispered under her breath, her eyes round with astonishment. She had never seen something like this before. She reached out, and felt her hand go through the mirror. She gave a yelp, but soon got muffled as fascination took over shock. Only hesitating a little, she let her hand be pulled into the unknown behind the mirror and smiling, Lovette stepped in.
x
Dracula's eyes snapped open in a malevolent glow as anger roared inside those dangerous orbs. He felt it; strangers enter the mirror without his consent. He knew that the Bride's were smart enough not to enter it even if they knew how it worked.
It must be Lovette...
Kayla...
Even in his fury, Dracula's lips slowly curled into a cruel smile.
"My sweet Lovette... you never learn."
x
Lovette felt the ice slide away from her as she entered another room. She looked around… this room was different. Covered in ice and snow. The only bits of color came from the torches on either side of the wall. In the middle of the room stood a coffin with a symbol of a dragon on it.
"Dracula's coffin..." She whispered, realizing now that she had entered Dracula's bedroom. That mirror was a portal, connecting to Dracula's bedroom. His own private chamber.
She walked towards the coffin, looking at it with fright and quiet awe. She moved close and looked inside it.
Nothing. No one there. Dracula must be up... and perhaps looking for her!
Lovette began to remember what she had read long ago, how Dracula's magic was so powerful; to break his spells and to pass though to his realm was almost impossible. Even his brides had never come to their masters coffin room unless invited.
"I've just crossed the final line." Lovette thought, looking at the coffin, "I've got to get out of here."
She ran back to the mirror, only to find that it had closed up.
"In the name of God, open this door!" She whispered. Nothing happened. She pressed her hands to the ice, trying to get through... but nothing happened.
"God can't be reached here." She thought, "Oh, how can I get out of here?"
"I don't know if you can."
x
Lovette froze like a statue, her blood going cold as she immediately recognized the familiar voice. Fear was the only emotion she could feel right now, and she cursed (which she did rather rarely) for her stupidity. How could she put her trust over an unknown substance of silvery mirrors? Her life was on the line, and she trusted the mirror to take her to a better place. Anywhere but here... How could she be so foolish.
A deathly cold hand touched her neck, gliding swiftly up her cheek with a tender touch that any woman would have fallen for. But not Lovette. This man's touch was poison to her. She tried to unfreeze herself, and failed to do so when she was easily manipulated to twirl into the man's dark embrace. Like a ballerina she glided into his arms and he wrapped his arm around her.
"You could have waited until midnight, my dear." A voice like dark chocolate spoke with a cold chuckle.
"Let go of me!" Lovette finally yelled angrily, struggling in Dracula's grip, her hands pushing at his chest. The vampire continued to laugh at her attempt to be released.
"Why should I, dear Lovette? Tonight when the damned sun is down and the night flourishes the world, we shall wed and you... you shall be my bride!"
"And become a spoiled brat in your service? You make me sick!"
Dracula gave a snarl of warning, his eyes glowing dangerously as he pulled Lovette even closer towards him. Their noses almost touched, and her neck was so close to Dracula's lips, that the golden haired girl thought this was her downfall. Her eyes widened in fear.
Dracula bared his fangs in a snarl, but stopped. He gazed at her before closing his eyes and leaning in for a kiss. Lovette tried pushing away, but this time she couldn't resist. She felt the icy lips touch her own, and felt as if the warmth in her body was being stolen away. She was becoming as cold and hallow as he was. Dracula placed his other hand upon the back of Lovette's neck so she could not move away. Lovette's eyes squeezed shut. Make it stop; make it stop... she thought again and again inside her mind.
Finally after a few seconds, those lips withdrew and she was staring back at cold, blue eyes again. Dracula grinned widely. Those lips were as soft as an angel's. And this beautiful work of art was going to be his. No one was going to snatch it from his grasp. Not even Gabriel. Especially not Gabriel.
"I hate you," Lovette whispered angrily, fresh tears forming in her eyes, tears of hate, for she would no longer allowing herself to cry tears of sadness. Dracula only smiled. He was about to brush her tears away from Lovette's eyes, but she slapped them away from her. The Vampire King sighed.
"You will learn to love me, sweet angel. I promise you that."
Lovette shook her head furiously. "Never."
"You will, I shall make sure of that." His lips smirked. He suddenly let her go and waved his hand, "Now, you must change into a different set of clothes. You must look elegant for your wedding."
"Over my dead body! Mr. Van Helsing and Luminita will come and save me! They did it before, why wouldn't history repeat itself again in the future!" Lovette shouted. The Count smiled at her.
"Nothing will intrude our blissful wedding. History has separated us, but we have found each other again in a different world with the same souls... It is destiny..."
With that, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her from the room with such strength that Lovette could not resist. As they walked down the hall, a young servant appeared.
"Take this beautiful woman to the bath and make sure she is washed-up properly. I will expect nothing less from my future queen."
The servant nodded and motioned for Lovette to follow. Being under Dracula's power, she could do nothing but turn her head and spit at him before she was led from the hall.
"My dearest Lovette." The Count whispered, "Soon, you shall love me."
x
As the sun was making its final preparations to set, Van Helsing and Luminita were still following the snow white wolf into the forest, Sensing the danger, she too had picked up the pace, knowing that their friend would soon become a slave to the count if she did not hurry.
Luminita and Van Helsing were right beside her now, racing through the snow, Luminita looked up every now and then, gazing at the almost set sun.
"We'll get there." Van Helsing said, clutching a pain in his side, "I know we will!
Luminita gulped. Now, not only did she have to worry about her best friend being turned into a vampire by that horrible monster, but if the full moon came up before they were ready, Van Helsing would become a monster as well!
"I hope so-" Before she could finish, she had bumped into the figure of the wolf, who had stopped in the snow. Her ears were perked up and she was staring in a strange direction. Luminita spat snow from her mouth and stood up. She looked over the wolf's form and grazed at what stood before them.
A large glass mirror next to a mountain.
Luminita wanted to scream. A mirror? How was that gonna help them get her best friend back? This was hopeless!
The wolf turned to Van Helsing and began to grunt at him, telling him something in wolf tongue. Van Helsing looked at the mirror and nodded. He gave the wolf a very low and grateful bow before the wolf herself bowed first to Van Helsing and then Luminita before racing off into the woods! Her spirit seemed to be lifted as she ran.
"Hey wait!" Luminita cried, 'You didn't get us to-"
Van Helsing placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry." He whispered and turned to the mirror, "She did her job."
"How can you say that?" Luminita asked, "Now we'll never-"
"In the name of God, open this door."
x
Lovette sighed sadly and looked at herself in the mirror. The glorious blue dress was no heaver than silk and clung to her body, leaving very little to the imagination. It was not as low cut as the other brides, but it was certainly along those lines. Embroidered with diamonds and exotic patterns that most have taken years to stitch, it was by far, the most beautiful gown Lovette had ever seen. Her wrists were placed in jeweled bracelets and a lovely choker had been placed around her throat. On her head stood a crown of gold. A crown meant for a queen.
Lovette despised herself.
Dracula had seen that she had been bathed in scented oils and dressed in the finest dress money could buy. Her hair was flowing with petals of flowers and the make-up on her face made her look like the most lovely courtesan in the world. Within an hour, she would be new bride.
"Well, well, the little book worm cleans up well."
Lovette gritted her teeth as she looked around to see the three brides standing there, each dressed in a beautiful white gown that was decorated in precocious stones. They gazed at Lovette with rage-filled eyes and wicked smiles. Lovette wanted to scream at them, but she held back.
"Welcome to our family, sister. I know you will... like it here." Verona went to touch Lovette's shoulder, but she pulled away.
"I am NOT a part of your family!" Lovette spat.
"You will be soon." Aleera smiled but it was all too fake.
"I will die first!" Lovette cried.
"As we all did!" Aleera hissed, "And believe me, if I could get away with it, I would kill you here and now!" Aleera smiled, "The master would be quite angry with me if I did… however..." Aleera moved close to Lovette, who did not budge, "I am willing to try his anger."
"Oh?"
All the women in the room turned to see Dracula standing there. He was dressed in a magnificent gold cloak and had never looked more handsome than that moment. All the brides bowed to him, but Lovette remained tall.
x
"You look ravishing, my dear," Dracula spoke with a charm that made all the brides' eyes flash with deadly poison. Even in their bows, they turned to glare at Lovette with predatory eyes. Lovette felt the back of her spine tingle with chills, but she didn't show it. She looked at Dracula with a stern look.
In the deepest core of her heart, she could feel the little girl wailing in tears, her fear for herself of dying for this man... an immortal man that she knew would not take care of her as Mr. Van Helsing had done in the past.
"Even if you turn me undead, you're never going to feel any love from me, monster. You are just a will-bending bastard, who just so happened to take the form of a human being."
Dracula clicked his tongue, "Well, well. You have grown into a beautiful lady, haven't you, my dear Lovette. Do you still wish to be that same unloved book worm now if you had the chance?"
"I'll take it. Anything to stay away from you."
"Hmpf, well that will change till today. You will join your sisters-" the Brides hissed silently at Lovette's direction, "-and if your friends do come to rescue you... it will be too late. You ARE going to be my new queen."
Lovette fell silent, and only looked at Dracula angrily and turned her back at the man. "Get out," she whispered. She had never felt so much anger and anguish at the same time. Before this nightmare had ever begun, she was just one of those girls who stayed in the Library for too long, reading books for her mental health. Now...
Dracula didn't look pleased to see his to-be Bride turn her back on him. And it made him even angry to see a glimmer of something in her eyes. A look of... love. Love that was not directed towards him. Somebody else. He knew that it was Gabriel that she was dreaming of. If Lovette was going to become his true new bride, then she had to be devoted to him alone.
She shall be mine... Dracula thought, And I will do whatever I must to make that so. And when she is mine, I shall crush Gabriel with my own hands.
This made the vampire smile cruelly. And as if in answer to his thought, he felt something shimmer into his Castle. He could feel two heartbeats up above those floors. Van Helsing... Dracula growled, his lips forming a thin-lipped smile. Even if that damned man was here, he was not going to ruin this! Not again! Even if he would have to force Lovette to marry him at gunpoint, she would be his. Every spell, every weapon at his command would bring her to him.
"Soon." He whispered to himself, "Very soon."
"Get out!" Lovette hissed again, "I will not look at you."
"If that is your game, fine." Dracula thought, "We will play."
"Very well, my child." He smiled at her, "Come, my darlings, let us leave the young bride in peace." He motioned for his brides to follow.
The brides snarled at Lovette one last time but headed out the door. Dracula stood there a moment longer, before walking over to her and placing a snow white rose in her hand, Lovette didn't look at him, but threw the rose to the ground. Dracula frowned at this, but walked out all the same.
Lovette felt herself sink to her knees, not even looking at the rose..., which had begun to bleed red blood.
x
The mirror shimmered like a gentle current in the sea, flowing to and fro. It would have looked creepy because it almost looked... alive.
"What is this, Van Helsing?" Luminita spoke as she stared at the mirror with a slightly gaping mouth.
Van Helsing would have laughed, if only for the serious situation they were in. "The she-wolf told me that if we go through this... mirror... we'll be able to get through inside Dracula's icy Castle."
Luminita's eyes widened, suddenly holding an emotion that she hadn't felt for a while; HOPE. "Are you su-" she started but then stopped as Van Helsing responded by looking towards her direction.
He smiled, making her feel comforted. "It will work."
With this response, he grabbed for her hand and they went through the silver mirror. As if a cold breath was blown at them through every direction, they felt as if they were floating through space. Luminita gave a gasp of surprise and her hold on Van Helsing's hand tightened. She looked at his determined face and she, too, smiled this time.
As soon as the floating feeling washed over, it vanished, leaving them standing on solid ground. They looked around their surroundings, both of them bewildered for a few seconds at the strange even that took place when they went through the mirror. After a while, they were back to their senses.
"Where are we...?" Luminita spoke softly as she took a few steps forward. They were in a dark narrow passageway with candles that floated about the side of the walls to light the beyond. The walls held doors of oak wood, with golden doorknobs with a chilling magnificence. Van Helsing shook his head, looking just as confused as her.
"I'm not sure, but I think we'll have to go through here to get to wherever that may lead to Miss Lovette. I think we're in the right place though."
"How can you know?" Luminita said with a raised eyebrow.
"Because I smell death."
This made her shiver uncontrollably. She feared for their safety, and for the safety of her friend... Lovette. She was probably the only real best friend she ever had in her life, a sister that cared and made her laugh in any situation. Even when times were dark and cold, she was there to comfort her, and Luminita did the same for her friend. It was her job to save her from the hands of the immortal vampire. Even if she died doing it, at least she had tried.
"Come on, follow me, Miss Luminita," Van Helsing spoke and gripping the hand tightly, he took one of the burning candles in his other hand and led them through the passageway. He could feel and smell no human being should have felt with his or her five senses. Death lingered everywhere, through each crack and wall. No sign of life was to be found on this floor. If he didn't hurry, he knew that Miss Lovette and they too would be swallowed in the shadow of darkness that Dracula had created for himself. He felt a sudden fury for the immortal, and his eyes flashed feral for an instant. Fortunately, Luminita had not seen it.
If Dracula had not been alive, nothing like this would have happened... Van Helsing thought angrily. But Dracula is dead. How are you going to kill the undead... a blow to the heart? Nothing can penetrate the heart of ice... a voice in the back of his mind spoke.
'Nothing but a werewolf bite...' Van Helsing countered to himself. He was cut off when he heard Luminita gasp. He realized he had showered light on something he shouldn't have without noticing that he had. Van Helsing looked down at the direction of Luminita's gaze and saw two human skeletons on the floor. He grimaced in disgust, and embraced Luminita in his other grip, pulling her away from the skeletons. Luminita was sobbing freely on Van Helsing's shoulder.
"No... no..." Luminita whispered, the only words that had come out of lips at the very moment.
Van Helsing touched her shoulder, "Come on, we can't stop until-"
Suddenly, as if by magic and by the presence of intruders, the two skeletons leapt to life! Flesh grew upon their withered bones and eyes of flame gazed out upon the two of them. Van Helsing felt a rush of adrenaline flow though his veins as he pushed Luminita back slightly. His eyes began to glow again.
"Stay back." He whispered...
x
The Hunter stood before his fallen victims for a moment, his head hung low so a shadow hid his face. The only thing that could be seen was the malevolent glow in his eyes. Luminita stared wide-eyed at Van Helsing, shivering uncontrollably at the sight of blood dripping from his fists. His glowing, inhuman eyes made her want to run, but she stopped herself. "Mr. Van Helsing...?" She spoke weakly as she moved towards him, in an attempt to bring him back.
Van Helsing flinched at hearing the name and didn't answer. Luminita tried again through her wavering voice, and this time she got an answer. Without a moment's hesitation, Van Helsing lunged at her as if he had become the maddened werewolf (which technically he was). Luminita screamed as she was flung onto the ground with a hard shove, both of them tangled in each other's arms. Her eyes squeezed shut. Luminita waited for Van Helsing to do something more deadly, but nothing happened.
She opened her eyes and saw Van Helsing's original olive – green eyes. Quickly he let her go, his breath in a panting frenzy as he stayed well away from her.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean for it to..." Van Helsing began but Luminita shook her head.
"... control me instead." Van Helsing finished as he fell onto the ground. Luminita rushed to his side, but this time Van Helsing pushed her away.
"Don't come near, Miss Luminita. I lost a loved one before from this beast, and I don't mean to repeat it again..." Van Helsing spoke, but Luminita shook her head.
"I'm not going to leave you here with bloody hands. Here, use this to wipe it off," Luminita said as she gave him a handkerchief she had kept safe inside her pocket. Van Helsing hesitated, but took it gratefully as he wiped the blood off from his hands.
"Come on." She whispered, "We have to keep going... For Lovette."
Van Helsing nodded. "Yes, you are right. We must fight to save for Miss Lovette."
Luminita smiled and she pulled the hunter back to his feet. "Let's go..." Just as she said this, a melodious music was heard a few steps away. Van Helsing and Luminita both turned to look at each other. Gripping each other's hands tightly so they would not get lost, they walked towards the end of the passageway. A sudden burst of light flashed before their eyes, and they saw...
x
A few moments before Luminita and Van Helsing went in search of the mysterious song's voice, Lovette was being led unwillingly to a grand hall. She was made to stand before a wooden door and a veil was placed upon her head, both her hands griping a bouquet of flowers in both hands. The flowers she held were dark, but what Lovette noticed first about them was that they were blood red. She bit her lips angrily as she shivered. An eerie song had started to weave itself into the air. It was mostly likely a vampiric wedding song, a melody she would hear just before her... death.
No... no... Lovette thought, I will not die!
Before she could think of anything else, the doors were flung open and the sudden burst of candlelight blinded her eyes. She blinked a few times, and then gave a weak scream. Her eyes widened and tears rushed her eyes, this time running freely down her cheek. In front of her was a chapel carved in ice. Guests dressed in elegant clothes and fine jewels looked at her direction, their gazes piercing her skin as Lovette flinched.
At the head of the chapel, next to a strangely carved alter, stood Dracula. His eyes fixed upon her as though she were a treasure. His fine clothes shown brilliantly in the candlelight. Just then, another figure appeared beside the alter wearing dark robes. A priest! The music began to grow louder and the guest all stood, waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle.
Don't let him control you-! Lovette thought but it was too late. She felt one foot move without her consent, and as soon as it did, another foot reached closer to the King of Vampires. She began walking as a proud bride would, down the aisle, the guests bowing to her as she passed, but Lovette was anything but a proud bride. Before long she was standing before the man, looking into the monster's face. Dracula smiled and lifted the veil from her face.
The Count was clearly amused. "You look beautiful, my love."
Lovette glared furiously. "You are a bastard."
"Why, thank you," Dracula smiled widely. He looked at the dark priest, who stood beside the two. His eyes glowed, and Lovette gave a gasp, trying to run, but the Count held her in his power. He chuckled motioned for the Priest to move along with the ceremony.
"Beloved children," The priest hissed, "We are gathered here today to join the high King of Vampires, Count Vladislaus Dragulia with his queen to be, Lovette Gerheart. Once again, joined by destiny, this woman will be a great ruler with our beloved king."
There was a murmur of agreement among the guest and Lovette felt her heart sink.
"If there is anyone in this room who has any reason why these two should not marry, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Lovette looked around, hoping that someone, anyone would speak up, but there was nothing but silence. The Count's eyes gleamed with victory.
"Count Vladislaus Dragulia, do you take Lovette Gerheart to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her. So long as you both shall live?" the Priest spoke.
The brides grumbled to themselves.
Dracula grinned, reaching out to touch Lovette's cheek. "I do."
"Lovette Gerheart, do you take Count Vladislaus Dragu-" the Priest began but suddenly he was interrupted by...
x
"-Lovette Gerheart…"
That single name made Luminita rush right into the light. She didn't care. Hearing her best friend's name being spoken could have been the most beautiful thing that had happened to her then and there. Unfortunately, when she realized where she had dived into, she might not have had that good feeling anymore.
"Lovette!" she cried out and gave out a gasp of horror as the guests, Dracula, the Brides and the Priest gazed at Van Helsing and Luminita's direction venomously. Lovette was the only one relieved to see her friends at last. She felt like melting when she saw Van Helsing stare back at her with a determination that never failed to be put out. She smiled widely. Unfortunately, Dracula was not in a good mood now.
"We meet again, Gabriel. Yet again, I see you have come to destroy my happiness. You have come to disturb my blissful wedding to take away my Bride. But my guests and brides... will not let you. I will not let you. THIS TIME YOU CAN NOT HAVE HER!" With this, Dracula grabbed Lovette and vanished in a puff of smoke.
Luminita and Van Helsing were now left with the vampires left for company.
The Brides smiled wickedly at them, approaching them with almost a feline grace. "We have been dying to taste your blood for a long time, Van Helsing. You will pay for killing our sister!" Aleera hissed, "Such a shame that such a handsome human has to die."
Luminita expressed a look of disgust as she heard a cackle from the crazy red-haired vampire. Could these brides get anymore nuts?
"You won't get a chance!" Van Helsing growled back, and this time he howled. The guests and the Brides, even Luminita was taken aback with this reaction, but this didn't stop them from attacking. The vampires charged, fangs and claws bared. But they stopped during their flight as they heard a howl return Van Helsing's cry. Luminita's eyes widened as she saw werewolves of many colors attack from all directions. The vampires gave a shriek of surprise, and tried to escape, only to be bitten into ash.
"Wow!" Luminita shouted, and she smiled at Van Helsing's direction. He smiled back, "Dracula's servants. I told them to stand and fight-" the hunter began but he never got to finish that sentence when he was knocked off his feet by the Brides. Luminita gave out a cry as she too felt someone grab her harshly around the neck, keeping her hostage.
"You think you are so pretty, don't you, little girl?" a spiteful voice hissed under her breath and Luminita felt something cold lick her neck. "You heart beats fast, my dear. Be happy in the knowledge that your blood shall keep me beautiful!" Luminita flipped the stake in her hand and struck it into Aleera's stomach before the vampiress could bite her mortality away. The woman screamed, and then turned into ash, now no longer a threat.
Without leaving a tear for the bride, Luminita searched for Van Helsing and saw him fighting with the other Bride, Verona. Readying herself, she ran towards them and flung the stake at Verona's direction. Luckily, it was a direct hit.
"Nooo! Master!" Verona screamed and she too turned into ash before their very eyes. Luminita would have felt sorry the poor bride had it not been for the fact that this woman tried to kill them. Van Helsing looked at her with a surprised look, but he was smiling. "Good job!" he spoke, and Luminita blushed. "Thank you. But now is not the time for a chat! We have to save Lovette!" Luminita shouted, and Van Helsing nodded. "You're right! Miss Lovette may be in more danger then what we are in! Come on!" Van Helsing shouted and Luminita followed.
Hope was now growing inside of her. A hope that refused to fade.
WOOT! We're closing on the climax:P I hope you liked it and please review! With great power of influence, you shall make us write the chapters faster than ever! ;)