10

The Great Escape

Gabriel was strapped to the machine by Igor. How am I going to get out of this one? Gabriel looked around the room to try to find a way to escape. The room was packed full of machinery. There were huge generators that were shooting out sparks. Gabriel was not sure what to expect. What did the count plan to do with him?

"Igor, get ready to start the machines." "Yes master, but it might take a while because the machines are still a little rusty from before." The count sighed and said, "Just make sure you make them work." Gabriel was starting to get used to hearing the dark voice of the count. Gabriel saw the count and his two brides enter the room. He looked at Verona and she looked back. He suddenly felt his heart sink. He saw the look on her face and knew something was wrong. Had the count discovered the dream from the night before?

On the other side of the room, Verona was looking at him. How can I choose between him and my children? Her heart was shattered. She no longer wanted to be a bride, she wanted to be human and with Gabriel. The more she thought about it the more she realized it was impossible. She was a vampire and he was a human. He was not just any ordinary human, but a vanquisher of her kind.

"Verona my love are you all right?" The count looked at her and saw that she was staring at Gabriel. He knew then that his fears were correct, she was remembering. No, how can this be? She is not supposed to remember. His voice instantly changed, "Verona that is enough! I think it is time you left. Leave until we are ready to wake the children." The count knew he had to get Verona out of there. His trust in her started to diminish. Aleera was pleased to see the count's change of heart. It was now her turn to be the powerful bride. "Aleera, go with her. I will summon you both back when we are ready." Aleera was not happy with this, but she knew it would please her master. She nodded and grabbed Verona by the arm.

Verona had not said a word. She was still staring at Gabriel. She knew that all hope was lost. She knew now what she had to do. She had to get Gabriel out of there before he was killed, even if it meant she would never have her children. She also knew that this would probably be her last day on earth. Tears started to form in her eyes, she did not know if she was ready for the storm ahead. "Come on", said Aleera who was growing impatient. Verona just gave a final nod to Gabriel and walked out.

The count was now furious and said, "Gabriel you have once again tried to steal something that is mine. I wish you to suffer through every bit of this experiment." Gabriel ignored every word the count said and was instead worried about Verona. He did not care about what was going to happen to him. He had just watched a woman give up her life for him. Well, what life she had. Even though she was evil, he couldn't leave her to the count. He had to save her.

Verona walked down the hallway and began to plan her actions. She knew she had to get away from Aleera. She waited for the best moment and then she began to slow down. Aleera didn't notice at first, but when she did, she turned around just to meet an iron rod with her face. She was out cold in the floor. Verona turned around and headed back to the lab. She didn't know why she was doing this, but it felt right. For once in a long time, she felt she was doing something good. She reached the doorway to the lab and saw that there was no way to sneak past Dracula or his servants. How do I get to him? She knew that she would have to wait until Gabriel was raised high above the lab outside before she could get to him.

She waited at the doorway and heard Igor say, "We are about ready to start master." The count turned to him and said, "Good, raise him and then fetch my brides." "Yes master." Igor pulled a lever and Gabriel began to rise above the lab. This was her chance. Verona went to a nearby balcony and transformed into her hideous form. This was it, there was no turning back.

Gabriel was now high above the laboratory. He was exposed to the storm that was brewing outside. It started to rain and lightning was striking all around him. The thunder grew louder the heart of the storm was approaching. Oh great, I'm about to be fried. Just then, he saw Verona flying towards him. He did not like to see her in this form. It reminded him of what she truly was.

Verona reached the platform that Gabriel was on. She landed next to Gabriel, transformed into her human form and said, "You have to get out of here!" Verona quickly tore off his chains and helped Gabriel up. Gabriel staggered a bit and said, "I know, and you're coming with me." He took her hand and started to walk when Verona said, "I can't. I have to stay here." Gabriel turned back to her and said, "What? How can you say that…he is going to kill you." "Gabriel, he is going to kill me anyway. If I stay here you will at least have a chance, besides what kind of life would we lead? We would always have to run from him", tears started to form in her eyes. "Verona, I won't leave you here. We'll find a way just come with me." She started to cry she wanted to go with him so bad, but she knew she couldn't. "Please, just go."

Gabriel knew that she was probably right. They could never live a normal life while she was still a vampire and Dracula remained alive. He put his hands on Verona's shoulders and said, "I will find a way, we will be together again." They looked into each other's eyes and suddenly their lips met and they shared their first kiss in over four hundred years. It was like starting all over again. They then stood and held each other until they heard a shriek. "My master, he knows. Please go." Gabriel started to turn and said, "I will come back for you." Gabriel turned and faded into the shadows.

The shriek of her master sent a chill through her entire body. For the first time in 400 years, she knew what it felt like to love, but she also felt true terror and feared for her life. She just collapsed on the platform weeping. Then her body grew cold as she felt her master and Aleera land on the platform behind her. What was going to happen to her now?

Here is chapter ten, hope you liked it. Thanks for all of the reviews. Please keep reviewing. Oh yeah, I put your kiss in there Banshee Queen.