Chapter Two

Ilya

Tatiana rushed past me in flurry of skirts, screaming hysterically. My suitor joined her, screaming even louder. I, however, rushed the opposite direction into the tea room, hoping that my parents got out in time. When I reached the partially opened doors I gasped and stifled a scream of terror. There lying on the floor were my mother and father, surrounded by blood and furniture. I then noticed that Dracula's wives were there, snickering and screeching, yet he was no where in sight. I stepped back, hoping that none of those who I had seen saw me when I bumped into someone. I looked in the large mirror that hung next to the door and saw no one, but I felt their breath on my neck.

"Curiosity killed the noblewoman," a man's voice murmured into my ear. I spun around and saw the last person I ever wanted a chance to meet: Dracula. I wanted to scream, but it caught in my throat. I pushed him away and ran down the hall. The servants who had survived the surprise attack had already fled, leaving those who were too slow to litter the ground. I leapt over bodies of nannies and butlers that had known me from infancy, trying to find a way out of my own house.

I turned the corner, tripping on my skirts and falling. I thrust myself up and began to run again, hoping that Dracula had found some other interest. I passed several open doors in the hall. Suddenly I was grabbed and pulled into another room. A hand covered my mouth to stifle my screams, but I twisted and kicked until I was free. I turned and saw that it was my stepbrother who had pulled me into the room.

"Nikolas!" I breathed. Nikolas smiled grimly and closed the door. His grip tightened on the sword that he possessed.

"Ilya, you must run," he whispered sharply and he sealed the door. He moved past me and revealed a secret corridor that led into the forest. I looked at him curiously. He returned my gaze.

"What about you?" I asked, my voice soft. He smiled dryly.

"I will buy you some time." I shook my head stubbornly.

"I will not have you die for me!" Nikolas quickly kissed my forehead. It was then that I knew I had little time. I reluctantly let him push me into the corridor. He offered me a cloak, but I refused.

"Vampires can sense heat. If I allow my body temperature to go down low enough, then they will think me near death, ignoring me completely," I told him, tears flowing from my eyes. Nikolas smiled, a true smile, at my knowledge.

"I love you, Ilya," he murmured as he closed the door. I nodded as it shut.

"I love you too," I said, even though the thick door was already sealed. I began to run down the corridor, feeling my body chill as I went further under ground. I prayed that Nikolas died nobly and that Dracula had given up on me.

It was at least a few hours until I reached the end of the corridor. By then, I wished that I had taken the cloak offered to me. It was dark outside and it was cold, as usual. I made my way through the forest, hoping that Dracula hadn't sent a werewolf after me. Still, I was determined to reach safety for my family's sake. I turned to look at the house and gasped at the sight that I beheld.

My home was aflame. Dracula must have thought I was somewhere in the house still. Whoever was left in the house was surely dead by now. My parents would never receive a proper burial, my brother would never receive an honor for staying and fighting for me. My belongings were now reduced to ashes.

I fought the strong urge to cry, but won, carrying onward toward whatever safety God allowed me. I looked for a small gathering of bushes to keep me wark while I slept and found a nice clump near a large clearing.

After I had settle myself in my makeshift home, I let all the sorrow held up within me out. I sobbed until I had no more tears to shed. I gazed at the full moon above me and swore silently that Dracula would pay.

When I awoke in the morning, I dared not move from my hiding place. I was wary of what was in the forest that I knew to be enemies. There was a small hole in one of the bushes that gave me a clear view of the clearing. I peeked through and noted something peculiar. There was a large pole in the center of the clearing which I failed to notice the night before. Attached to the pole was a young man. I could not recognize him from the distance that separated us, so I assumed he was young.

I, being curious in nature, stepped out of my hiding place and walked up to the man. He seemed to stare at a particular spot in the bushes in front of him. He then noticed me and his eyes grew wide. Then his expression changed into anger.

"Damn it, get out of here! Now!" he shouted to me. I then saw the large monster running straight for me.