By the next day, Dracula's wound had nearly healed, but he sequestered himself in his study, refusing all visitors.

Martha explained that the master was handling the aftermath of the hunter attack.


I spent the day in the library, watching fresh snow blanket the landscape.

As evening fell, the library door swung open.

Dracula entered.


"Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes."


He took the seat opposite mine.

"I've been considering our situation," he said. "I've decided to dissolve our contract."

My heart constricted painfully.

"Why?"

"Last night showed me that keeping you here puts you in danger," he explained. "The hunters might return. I won't risk your life—you're not actually a witch with powers to protect yourself."

"But—"

"I'll provide you with wealth," he continued, cutting me off. "Enough to go anywhere, do anything you wish."

"I don't want your money."

He looked startled.

"What?"

"I don't want money," I said, rising to my feet. "I want to stay here."

"Why?"

"Because..." I drew a steadying breath. "Because I don't want to leave you."

He stared at me, his expression unreadable.

"Do you understand what you're saying?"

"I do."

"I am a vampire," he said softly. "I will remain unchanged while you age and die. We have no future together."

"I know."

"Then why would you—"

"Because I want to be with you," I interrupted. "Even if only as your blood servant, even if only for these ten years—I want to remain by your side."

He fell silent, his eyes never leaving mine.

Finally, he rose and crossed the space between us.

"You'll regret this choice."

"I won't."

He raised his hand to cup my cheek, his touch gentle as a whisper.

"Are you certain?"

"Completely certain."

He leaned down until our foreheads touched.

"Then... stay with me."

His voice was barely audible, yet I heard every syllable perfectly.

My heart raced wildly.

"I will."

Outside, the snow had ceased falling.

I stood at the window, gazing at the transformed landscape.

Dracula joined me, his presence warm at my side.

"What do you see?"

"The snow."

"Is it beautiful?"

"Yes."

I turned to look at him.

Moonlight silvered his features, softening their usual severity.

"My lord..."

"Yes?"

"May I... call you by your name?"

He studied me.

"Would you prefer that?"

"Yes."

He considered for a moment.

"Then you may."

"Dracula."

His expression softened visibly.

"Yes."

We stood together at the window.

Outside, the snow gleamed silver under the moon's gentle light.

What the future held, neither of us could know.

But in this moment, I knew I belonged at his side.