Quil POV
I rode in a wooden coach along a narrow path. Seth and I could have easily broken out. The problem was, we had no idea where we were, and there was also little to nothing to grab unto. The forest was quite dark and menacing. It didn't scare me because, obviously, I'm a werewolf. Percy however, clung to me tightly, afraid of all the spooky sounds. Diego was clinging to Seth. Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of a castle. I knew who it belonged to. It was tall, foreboding and intimidating. Rectangular in shape, it was surrounded by two tall circular central towers with balconies at the very top.
We drove up to the anterior area of the castle grounds, then walked toward the entrance. A large metal gate closed behind us as we entered the courtyard. Stefan was no where to be seen. We got out and saw the castle towering over us. I felt the urge to go inside; not that I was scared—being a werewolf, nothing scares me. Upon entering, two large wooden doors magically opened and we entered a large foyer complete with candelabras and tapestries. A man who looked ultra aged and dressed like he was from the 1500s or something, greeted us holding a lantern. He had two strands of hair on his head that looked like a fan, and he was even paler than the Cullens. I knew who he was immediately— and what he was—from his stench.
"Welcome to my home,'' said the man in a voice that sounded silky and dry.
"Most impressive physique for your age. The children as well.''
"Count Dracula,'' Seth remarked.
"I am Dracula.'' He spoke softly and seemed to be bowing. "And I bid you welcome, Mr. Ateara, and Mr. Clearwater, to my house,'' Dracula said as he looked around.
"Please come in,'' Count Dracula directed. As we stepped in, the doors closed behind us.
"So, Count, are you going to lock us up in the dungeon?'' I asked jokingly.
"No, Mr. Ateara, why would I do that? You are a quest in my home. I am sorry we had to meet in such a unconventional way. I believe you possess something that belongs to me. However, let that rest for now. You both must be famished. Please follow me,'' Count Dracula said. As he turned around, he beckoned to us and we followed him.
"That's very kind of you, Mr. Dracula,'' Percy remarked. Can you believe this kid? He must have been terrified and he still managed to be polite.
"Count Dracula,'' Vladimir said stiffly. While we were lead down the tapestry covered hallway, I couldn't help but think of Tales From the Crypt. The whole castle had a Cryptkeeper-like feel to it. We entered a room with a large stone fireplace and an ornate table and chairs. It had a roasted chicken and potatoes placed on it, along with a table setting for four.
"Expecting company, Count?'' I asked in a sarcastic manner. I always thought the Cullens were unique in being so generous to our kind. I knew however that Count Dracula had an ulterior motive. He had, after all, just destroyed a Romanian city, so naturally I had to ask.
"Why did you destroy Cluj-Napoca? What are you hoping to gain, Vlad Dracul?'' I asked. Count Dracula let out an angered grunt and pulled a sword off the wall. He thrust it towards me, stopping just inches from my throat. I didn't flinch; I knew it wouldn't hurt me.
Percy and Diego seem scared, but I gave them a reassuring glance as the Count lowered the sword.
"Forgive me, sir. It has been a long time since anyone has given me such disrespect. To answer your question, I did not order the city's destruction. I merely asked for some in my coven to give a demonstration. Some apparently got carried away," Count Dracula answered apologetically.
"I know what you're planning, sir. Why don't you just make peace with the Volturi?'' Seth started to say, but I gave him the kill gesture. Nevertheless Count Dracula answered.
"Make peace with the ones who destroyed Translyvania's glory days? Never. I also know about the Great One, and the way to stop him is in this room." He said this as he laughed with a sinister evil tone. This Dracula guy was far more interesting than I expected. The Volturi are probably coming for him, and he thinks he has the means to defeat the Great One? He was being quite nice to us though, and I had a strange feeling that he was going to attempt to make our stay at his castle most pleasant.
Jacob Pov
The flight to Bucharest was long and tedious. As we were flying I couldn't help but occasionally think of the map image that is a hallmark of the Indiana Jones series. Bella slept most of the way, as did I. The Volturi didn't talk to us much and I didn't expect them to. What could I possibly have to say to them? The answer—not much. Several hours later, we finally landed in Bucharest and we all got our bags off the carousel. The Volturi—and surprisingly—the council, didn't speak much as we were walking to the limousines that would take us to the hotel in Bucharest.
"Carlisle, thank you for arranging all this. We never would have been able to get here if it wasn't for you,'' Bella thanked him. I realized I should be grateful as well. He didn't have to do this for us. I can't imagine how much he must have spent, but with his wealth it must be pocket change to him.
"Yeah, thank you and your family. You've been so generous to us over the years.'' I said to Carlisle. This time I was not feeling awkward in the slightest, because it was at that moment, I realized just how important he had been over the last 12 years.
"You're very welcome, Jacob. You're like family to us, and we'd go to the ends of the earth for you,'' Edward said.
"Even if that does mean going to lovely Transylvania,'' Emmett said in what seemed like a sarcastic manner.
As we got out of the terminal, Bella retorted, "Hey don't diss Transylvania—I've heard it's quite beautiful.''
"You know, guys, this is my first visit to Eastern Europe. I never thought it would be under these circumstances though,'' said Azarel. The limousines were Bentley's and Rolls Royce's. "Nice cars—people will think we're a motorcade for a visiting head of state or something,'' Emmett said.
"And that would be bad?'' I snorted.
We all got in our respective cars and were driven through Bucharest to the hotel were we would make any further changes to our plan.
"Can you believe it, Jake, we're going to meet Count Dracula?" Bella looked completely stunned as she spoke the words.
"Yeah, it's pretty epic, but remember, we're going to take him down. He picked the wrong wolf pack to mess with.'' Embry said.
I thought about how many leeches and werewolves before me had come to Transylvania and how our plan seemed way too simple. We needed more than a plan; we needed a ton of luck on our side—and maybe a prayer or two.
