Scarlett's POV
The suspense was killing me, I had no clue as to why I was included in this meeting of theirs. I had taken a seat next to the count before Arnold's desk in his study. The Count sat silently still ,he reminded me of a statue with his excellent posture and his calm composure. He definitely gave off the vibe of aristocracy , he was well mannered and seemed to pause thoughtfully before responding to Arnold's questions. I felt myself staring at his lips as his thick accent rolled each word off the tip of his tongue. Infatuation was what I felt for the stranger, but yet again a nagging feeling kept telling me I knew him. The nagging feeling warmed me of danger, red flags were going off however I had no reason as to why. " Count, I thank you for agreeing to take Scarlett into your care. Although she is absolutely a delight, Maria doesn't approve." Said Arnold. Arnold looked down at his desk, I could tell he felt guilty. This whole time I've spent under Arnold's roof I've felt confused when it came to my emotions. I hated the man before me for robbing me of my life and then lying about me being his wife. Using me for his own guilty pleasures then only to cast me aside for he was too much of coward to stand up to Maria. The other part of me felt the bond between master and fledgling. Connection of feelings and emotions bouncing back n forth between us was undeniably strong. Compassion and Arnold's attention seemed to have blind sided me from what really was going on.
" I must admit I was surprised, when you mentioned you had a new fledgling. Was wondering myself too how well that would sit with Maria. However my brides are accustomed to having to share one's affections, another one to the mix shouldn't be an issue." Said Dracula.
Dracula's POV
A fourth bride I never imagined taking on, however the opportunity presented itself to me. I simply couldn't pass up such a lovely creature before me and a Valerious at that. Such a novelty to have with Crina at my side for she could useful. " I knew I could count on you old friend and I thank you for being so accommodating. Scarlett you should pack your things, you will be leaving with the Count tonight.". The young women hadn't mastered the art of blocking ones thoughts. She thought i was familiar, but had know clue as to why. Mixed emotions of finally escaping Maria ,but uncertainty of what her future would look like with me. She shook her head before dismissing herself till it was Arnold and myself alone at last. " One thing I forgot to mention in my letter Count , is that she has no memory of her past life. Her name, family, and background seemed to have disappeared during her transformation." Said Arnold. Never heard of any fledgling losing all their memory when becoming a vampire. Letting this all sink in it seemed I could use this as an advantage on my part. The woman had no clue I was her enemy which would allow wooing her all the much easier. However her not remembering her past life might just be the silver bullet i needed to bring down the rest of the Valerious family. Things were starting to lookup at that moment in time.
" Such a shame for one to lose all of life's most precious memories. Yet it seems she has all eternity now to make new ones. I thank you for any additional information and will gladly take this burden away that's affecting your marriage." Arnold looked relieved as I agreed to help him out of this conundrum he had gotten himself into. I could tell he didn't want to let the girl go. Sorrow seemed to really reek havoc on his thoughts . I never knew why he was so weak to let one woman dictate all his decisions. However it was his loss and my gain.
Scarlett's POV
I looked back for the last time at my room that I spent over week now in. It was home to me for I couldn't remember of what home was before here. My soft bed and silk sheets I would miss. They felt cool among my already iced skin as is. The couch before the fire place where I'd relax before the warm fire. The thing I think I'd miss above everything was the balcony. The balcony outside my bedroom out looked the rolling hills of the forest. It was a great place to watch the night sky and listen to the wild life all around.
The carriage ride to the Count's home was awkward at best. Sitting on the opposite side of the coach from him he barely spoke. He blue orbs just seemed to stare off out the window and into the night. He was silent the whole three hour ride there, but I was grateful for the silence at the same time. I felt exhausted from the long ride , but the Count never left my sight. I didn't know where to start with the millions of questions that circled around about in my thoughts, wishing I had a piece of parchment and quill to jot them all down. In the distance I could see glimpses of the Count's castle as we rounded the bend along the dirt path. A strike of lightning struck down at the top of castle and then another seconds there after. The castle seemed to be in the middle of nowhere for I could no other houses near by . The thunder in night sky continued on it's path as it was now raining as we reached the entrance to the castle. I lifted my hood of my red cape over my head as I anticipated the heavy rain.
Dracula's POV
She didn't seemed too phased by my silence, but I had a lot to think about on the journey home. To tell Crina about her past life or not? Also not to mention of the explaining that would be required to my other brides once we walked inside. My brides knew of me bringing back another bride potentially , but not Crina Valerious of all people. Castle Frankenstein was in total disarray right now. Since the hiring of Victor Frankenstein my property has become home to his experiments. Experiments that I hope will bring my children to life. " Please forgive me for the state of my home at this current time. I currently have a mass of amount of projects taking place at this time." I see her eyes wonder around her new surroundings as he walked through the double wooden doors of the castle. Immediately she grabbed onto my arm holding onto it for dear life. It took me a moment to see fully understand why she was so scared. Two of my servants known at the Dwergi were walking past us down the main hall.
Scarlett's POV
What were those things ? I thought. Short almost dwarf like creatures that wore goggles and masks that covered their entire faces. They wore all black tattered clothing and marched in a single file line past us. I could hear the Count chuckling as I squeezed his arm out of fright. " No need to fear, they are completely harmless. Servants they are of mine , they are assisting my new hire at this current time." Project? Servants? This place wasn't exactly a warm and welcoming home. Cob webs along with dust seemed to cover every inch of this place and when I looked up towards the ceilings I saw these green sacks. These gooey sacks were hanging off the ceilings. Hundreds of them it seemed as I leaned my head back to look up at all of them. A cable seemed to be connected to each and every one of them for what purpose I had no clue. " That would be my children up there. My hope along with my brides is to bring them to life. Again one of the many projects I've been working, please follow me to your room." " Did you say children?" I asked. I was absolutely disgusted and yet saddened as I continued to look up at the numerous sacks above me. It was clear to me I wouldn't live the simple life like one I had dreamed of. I wouldn't have a loving husband and my children , well whatever was in those sacks weren't children.
" Yes, my children slumber in those cocoons of theirs. However very soon we shall be able to awaken them." I tried painting images in my head as to what these " children " of his looked liked. Every image that circled through my mind horrified yet intrigued me. " Do keep up , it is easy to get lost in numerous Halls of the castle." I saw he was already going towards the stairwell before me as I seemed to been so fixated at the disgusting sacks of slime above me. "My apologies Count, wait up for me." I was absolutely stunned cause in point five seconds I seemed to have teleported to were the Count was on the steps. It never crossed my mind I could do that nor did I even try. Shocked and also impressed at my new found power, but the Count seemed unimpressed only to roll his eyes at me. " Dinner will be served in an hour in the grand hall, but until then we have much to discuss." He then opened a door at the top of the steps and stood at the entrance of the door way to allow to me walk through first. At least the bedroom was more presentable then what I saw so far of the castle. The room seemed to be twice the size as my room at Arnold's place. A four postered bed was stationed in the middle of the room and next to it was a sitting area with a couch and two chairs. Shelves lined the one side of the wall with several books, but what really caught my eye was the crystal chandelier hanging above us. " Do you approve Crina? After all you will be staying here for awhile." That was the second time now he called me Crina. I turned around and gave him a funny look as he remained still at the doorway. " Yes I'm talking to you Crina, you really don't remember do you?" He was now approaching me, I could feel myself unconsciously inch away from him. Removing his gloves he tossed them one by one to floor and now my back at this point hit the back of the book shelf. " I have no idea what you are talking about yet you do seem oddly familiar to me". A smirk crept upon his face, he was now mere inches from my face and it was undeniably uncomfortable. " That is quite alright my princess, perhaps a fresh start is what you need, what we all need."
Dracula's POV
Crina was corned there was nowhere for her to run and the fear that shown within her eyes only fueled me more to continue my advances. Watching one squirm before me was just as enjoyable as the draining of one's blood. " You ….. you called me Crina a few times now why? Is that my real name?" My eyes were fixated on her breasts that were perked up by the corset of her dress. They then traveled up her long pale neck and I became hungry all of the sudden. I needed to feed , but not from her at least not for now.
" Such a clever girl , tell me Crina have you ever heard of Anna and Velkan Valerious?" I watched her in silence as she tried to rummage through her head at the names I asked her about. " They seem familiar as well, but I don't know who they are. Who are they?" This was too good to be true, Crina Valerious was as good as mine. The rest of the Valerious bloodline will cease to exist once I'm through and my children will live. Everything was coming into plan much better than expected.
Scarlett's POV
The Count wrapped his arms around my should ushering we away from the book case as we made our way over to the balcony. The Count surely seemed to know more about me than I did myself and I eagerly awaited his response to my question. " Vampire hunters they are and they are a threat to you, me and rest of the vampire race. They will stop at nothing to finish each and everyone off." I certainly was scared at the prospect of dying when my life truly just began. It seemed the Count was worried of these two people and more importantly the fate of his children he was trying to bring to life. " You have not fully grasped ahold of your powers and I must help you not only manage but strengthen them. If you want to be able to kill and vanquish them in order to protect yourself, then we shall start as early as tomorrow with your training." " Count before we do that I need to know what you know about me? I…just feel …..lost and somehow I believe you can piece together what I simply can't. Please Count tell me who I am?" He released his arm around my shoulders as he now stood in front of me on the balcony. The cool breeze whipped the loose black strands of hair around his face and he went to tuck them behind his ear with his pinkie finger. He stood there again silently pondering over his response like I already noticed he seemed to do frequently. His dark blue eyes finally met mine before looking out towards the mountains. I could see what looked to bea town nestled in valley between two mountains. The lights of houses illuminated in the darkness surrounding it and I could see smoke coming from the chimneys in the distance. " You once lived there Crina in the town of Transylvania. I know nothing of your family or upbringing however I remember your name and seeing you from time to time in the village. I don't like going down there anymore, it is no longer safe. The Valerious children have taken over the village, only my brides dare visit the village." My once home was before me in the far off distance. I felt compelled to go even against the instructions of the Count to not go. The answers I seeked seemed to be in the village and I could only hope someone would recognize me.