"You'll regret this, my dear," the Count said pleasantly, regaining his composure at once.
He reached at and wrested the cross from Arene's hand, watching as it burst into flames before he threw it to the side.
"Perhaps," he continued as if nothing had happened," you would like to see my private rooms?"
Arene eyed Dracula with immense loathing. She knew what that creature had been up to. She turned to her friend.
"Nicola, are you all right?" she asked, coming closer to her friend.
Nicola nodded. "Yes, cherie, I'm fine." She touched her lip, blood sparkled on her fingers. The feeling, the incredible feeling of his lips upon hers still rang in her mind. Arene touched her arm.
"Are you sure you are all right?" she asked. "We have to get out of here! He's after us, I don't know why, but we have to leave."
"Relax, my dear. Do not fear me."
Nicola could feel him. It was almost as if she could feel him in her mind. Speaking to her.
"All in good time, my love. Nicola, my love, my chosen one. Soon, you will no longer have to feel earthly pains and sorrows. Soon, you will leave the world of a mortal. You will be mine... and your dear friend will begin to see clearly for once. She too figures quite nicely into my plan."
She shook her head not understanding what the Count meant about Arene... but it did not matter. Only he mattered, his body, his soul, his love... and he had chosen her. She stepped away from Arene and moved back toward the Count. Allowing him to place his hands on her. He leaned down and kissed her passionately; his lips were so soft and powerful. Arene was calling for her, trying to break her from the trance, but she was failing. The count grinned.
"Now, perhaps you would like to see my private rooms, yes?"
Nicola nodded and gently ran her fingers through his hair. Arene could do nothing but nod and comply. She had to go with him to protect Nicola. Nicola was the only real friend she had. Nicola had been the first one to really care for her since her family died. She followed them down a dark hall till they reached a huge stone door. Arene looked up, it seemed to go on for miles. The Count waved his hand and the door opened to reveal a magnificent room. It had to be the most beautiful room in the castle. It was covered head to toe in beautiful furnishings, antique furniture, lovely tapestries and handsome objects of every kind. Arene could not help but stare at the beauty of it all. The Count walked into the room and opened a door on the side. It seemed to be a guest bedroom, two beds were side by side, the bed clothes were turned down and a roaring fire was in the fireplace.
"I give nothing but the best to my guests," he said, coming to Nicola and wrapping his arms around her. "Especially one as lovely as you are... you and Arene deserve nothing but the best..." He leaned forward and whispered into her ear, "and I will see that you get that."
Nicola blushed as his lips brushed up against her ear and she looked at him. She did feel quite tired....
"Perhaps I will turn in early," she said softly. "Are you going to turn in as well, Arene?" she asked politely.
Arene shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Nicola, but thank you. I shall do so in a little while." She smiled and came to her friend, hugging her tightly.
"I won't let him harm you, Nicola. You are the only friend I have ever known," she thought to herself.
Nicola could not help but notice how tightly Arene was hugging her. It was as if Arene had not been held for a while and needed to be in someone's arms. Nicola smiled at the younger girl. Arene nodded.
"Sleep well, mon amie."
"Et toi, Cherie," she said and went into her room, closing the door. Arene and Dracula stood, their eyes never leaving each other. The Count smiled and gestured to two large arm chairs.
"Please sit, my dear, we have much to speak of... and so little time." He sat down in one and beckoned her to come forward.
Arene eyed him strangely, but finally allowed herself to sit down in the chair opposite him. She turned her eyes away from him and the Count let out a small laugh.
"So much like him Arene... tell me, did they ever tell you the truth about how your mother... how... almost all of your family died?" he whispered, his eyes boring into her soul.
She looked at him, tears in her eyes. "How do you..."
"Quite simple, my dear... I killed them."