chapter 20: Midnight Kiss

It was almost time to get ready. I sat on the gray coouch, arms folded, and staring into the fire. I hated these people for taking me away from my love. I didn't care if Annabella died or not, it's their fault that they kidnapped me. Van Helsing looked at me, curiousity probably nagging at him. I kept quiet, making sure I didn't make any unwanted comment that could trigger his anger. Vince came into the room, angry and frustrated. He paced the floor, waiting for Van Helsing to come up with some sort of plan. They probably thought I was in some sort of spell and that Dracula controlled me so they might actually trust me. Idiots... I was probably as angry as Vince right about now, I was ready to just run far away. But that was futial. I had no chance. I would have to out smart them, someway, somehow.

VH: "Calm down Vince really. I'm trying to come up with something, but Dracula knows me all to well."

Vince: "We have to save my sister! What time is it?"

VH: "Almost five. Don't worry we will."

The room grew silent once more. Vince was pathetic. I couldn't stand to be in the room with these two idiots. I stood up from the couch and went over to the window, as both watched my every move. I was so close to snap, and lose control. It was so lonely without Dracula. Half an hour passed, and Van Helsing announced that it was time to get ready. We had a long way to go.

Van Helsing showed me to a room with no windows. Damn, was it gloomy. Vince had gone back to the hotel, and had gotten my things. I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, and opened my suitcase and found my dress neatly folded. I put on my strapless silk white dress that had a silver outlined rose near the bottom . I put my pure silver and clear sapphire mask. I had never gone to a masquerade ball before, and it wasn't even All Hollows Eve. It was cold outside, but at least there was a blanket in the carriage. Van Helsing drove while Vince was inside the carriage as well. Our grey horses trotted swiftly through the forest for an hour, until we reached a huge castle maybe even a manor. We entered, and in an instant you could sense wonderful smells. I loved this place already, but of course these two put a damper on the night. Masked couples danced endlessly as if in a trance. We made our way to the stairs that led down to the dancefloor. Van Helsing and Vince went before me, as I stared in amazement at the beauty of this dance hall. I slowly went down the stairs with total grace, each step was eligantly placed on each stair. I could sense that every eye was on me, and I heard gasps of total shock.

VH: "Would you like to dance? If you say no, I'll dance with you anyway. It's part of the plan."

Arielle: "Fine. But try anything funny and..."

VH: "Don't worry, I won't."

He took my hand, and we glided across the dance floor. I couldn't see Dracula anywhere, but every time Van Helsing pulled me closer to him, I grew angry.

Dracula's POV

I was totally pissed off! My love was being forced to dance with a monster like him. Yes I know as well that I am. With every dip, with every spin, I grew more hatred and anger than any man could control or harness. My beloved looked more beautiful than ever, and I wanted to be near her. This had to be some sort of pathetic plan he and Vince were trying to pull off. Well if he wants to fight fire with fire, so be it. I grabbed Annabella, who wore a similiar dress to Anna, and I dipped her.

Annabella: "Don't try anything funny Count. My brother and Van Helsing will kill you."

Dracula: "They can try. It is your fault by the way. If you didn't take Areille away from me, this wouldn't be happening. Besides, I plan to kill you tonight just to make them suffer as wellas you."

The sheer shock on her face made me laugh. Annabella saw Van Helsing dancing with my Arielle, and she knew how jealous I was. Too bad she wouldn't last long.

Annabella: "You look so jealous count. You should know that Van Helsing had his eye on her for a long time. This would be a perfect opportunity to make her hate you."

Dracula: "My dear, you have no idea how much I already know that. But I have loved her longer than any man on this earth. I am getting a little hungry. Maybe it's time for a snack."

My fangs were bared and pointed, while Annabella was frozen with fear. My eyes looked deep into her thoughts, and I controlled her to stay stiff and to do what I wished. You wouldn't, her mind rebelled. He simply smirked at her.

Dracula: "If you want to live for another night, I suggest you tell Vince or Van Helsing to let Arielle come to me. I want you to leave, or I just might kill you right here, right now."

Annabella nodded her head. I let her walk over to the dancing Van Helsing and Arielle. I watched closely as she told him what would happen, a vampire smirk ran across my face. Van Helsing let my beloved go, and he took Annabella. Those three left while I came to my love, coming silently towards her. I covered her eyes as she jumped in shock.

Arielle's POV

Dracula: "Guess who it is?" he said in a sultry, seductive Romanian voice.

Arielle: (Giggles) "My lovely Count. I've missed you."

Dracula: "As have I. My darling, dance with me. It's almost midnight."

Arielle: "What's happeneing at midnight?"

Dracula: (shocked)"You don't know? You will see soon enough my love."

We danced like lovers would, and I was having a grand time. We laughed and giggled as he spun and dipped me. I loved it when his hands were touching me, I felt so loved and wanted.

Arielle: "You know what this reminds me of?"

Dracula: "No darling what?"

Arielle: "My dream. Every time I saw you...I was with you dancing like this. And this place looks so familiar."

Dracula: "It does? You have the dream too?"

Arielle: "Yes ever since I was eight after my family died."

Dracula: "I saw you that day, in the village. You were so beautiful..you still are. I always called you my little angel, adn I still do. I also saw you crying over your mother's dead body. I felt...sad and I had pity for her. I usually don't feel that way. I love you."

Arielle: "I love you too."

A strange feeling came over me, and then I knew. It had to be fate! Somehow it had to. I'm not a fatalist, but somehow...it just had to be. Maybe when my family died, it made our connection grow stronger. I went closer to him, and he hugged me. I felt so loved. I hadn't felt that in a long time. Just then the clock struck midnight. Everyone took off their masks. I did as so, and then I saw everyone kiss their partner. I looked at the Count, his eys beaming with love, and I smiled at him. He kissed me. I felt so much passion, so much wanting and lust. I had never felt like that...and I wanted to stay in his arms forever. But the night wasn't over yet.