Back in my room, I leaned against the door and slowly slid to the floor.

His cutting words echoed in my mind.


"You are merely my blood servant."

"Don't harbor inappropriate expectations."

I hugged my knees to my chest and buried my face in my arms.


He was right.

I should never have allowed myself to hope.


A soft knock preceded Martha's entrance.

"Miss..."

"Yes?"

"The Count has been... troubled lately," Martha whispered. "Please... don't take his words personally."

I shook my head.

"I understand."

In truth, I understood nothing.

I only knew that after that night, he never met my gaze again.

During the next feeding, something went terribly wrong.

I woke that morning with the room spinning around me. When Martha brought breakfast, I managed only a few bites before pushing it away.

"Miss, you look unwell."

"It's nothing. Just a poor night's sleep."

She hesitated before reluctantly leaving.

That evening, she returned to summon me.

"Miss Anna, the Count awaits."

I pushed myself up from the bed. The room tilted violently, darkness creeping at the edges of my vision.

"Miss?"

"I'm fine."

I followed her to the feeding room, each step a battle against vertigo.

Dracula stood waiting, his face impassive.

"Lie down."

I lay on the chaise, its velvet suddenly feeling rough against my fevered skin.

He approached and sank his fangs into my neck.

As blood flowed from me, the world began to spin wildly.

"Wait..."

I tried to beg him to stop, but darkness claimed me before I could form the words.

I awoke in my own bed with Dracula seated beside me, his face drawn with concern.

He leaned back in the chair, eyes closed, breathing quietly.

I stirred slightly.

His eyes snapped open instantly.

"You're awake."

"I..."

"You fainted." He rose to his feet. "The doctor says you're severely weakened. You need proper rest."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't apologize." He cut me off. "There will be no feeding this week. Focus on recovery."

With that, he strode toward the door.

"My lord."

He paused but didn't turn.

"Have you... been here all this time?"

Silence hung between us for several heartbeats.

"Just ensuring your recovery."

The door opened and closed behind him.

I stared at the closed door as tears welled in my eyes once more.

Proofread Version


After Dracula's departure, I tossed restlessly. Finally, I lit the bedside candle and sat up against the headboard.

An hour later, a soft knock sounded at my door.

I started, heart racing.

Who would visit at this hour?

I padded barefoot across the cold floor. When I opened the door, Dracula stood there, candlestick in hand.

"I noticed your light. I came to check on you." He cleared his throat, uncharacteristically awkward.

"I... couldn't sleep."

He entered and reclaimed the chair he'd sat in earlier.

"Are you in pain?"

"No." I shook my head. "Just... restless."

He fell silent for a moment.

"Thinking of the orphanage?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He said nothing more, simply sat in companionable silence.

The only sound was the soft crackling of the candle flame.

"My lord..."

"Yes?"

"Do you... ever miss your home?"

He gazed toward the window, though the curtains were drawn.

"I haven't had a home in centuries."

"Why?"

"Because everyone I loved is gone," he said quietly. "A vampire's curse is longevity—watching everyone you care for wither and die while you remain unchanged."

I studied his face, noticing for the first time the profound weariness in his eyes.

"You weren't born a vampire?"

"I was human once. A prince of the Dracula line favored me, and I was transformed."

"You must have... suffered greatly."

"One adapts."

Words formed on my tongue but died there. What comfort could I possibly offer?

He rose to his feet.

"You should sleep now."

"My lord."

He paused.

"Would you... stay a while longer?"

He turned, surprise flickering across his features.

"Are you afraid?"

I shook my head. Knowing he had once been human had somehow made him less frightening.

"I just... don't want to be alone."

He studied me for a long moment before returning to the chair.

"Sleep. I'll remain."

I closed my eyes and, comforted by his presence, drifted quickly into sleep.