That night, when Martha came to summon me, her expression seemed oddly hesitant.

"Miss Anna, the Count requests your presence in the dining room."


"The dining room?"

"Yes. He said... you'll be dining together tonight."

I stared at her in disbelief.


"Together? The Count and I?"

"Yes, miss."


I followed her downstairs to the dining hall.

The vast chamber contained a massive table at its center. Dishes already covered its surface, candlelight dancing across silver platters.

Dracula sat at the head of the table. As I entered, he acknowledged me with a slight nod.

"Please, sit."

I took the seat opposite him.

The table groaned with food—roast duck, fresh bread, steaming soup, and delicacies I couldn't name.

"Eat," he said. "The doctor insists you need proper nourishment."

I picked up my fork, speared a piece of meat, and took a tentative bite.

It was exquisite.

I glanced up to find his eyes on me.

"Not to your liking?"

"No, it's wonderful."

"Then please, continue."

He ate nothing himself, merely nursing a glass of dark red wine.

"Aren't you eating?"

"I have no need for food," he replied. "Blood sustains me completely."

"Then why..."

"Why this feast?" He set down his glass. "Because you need it."

I lowered my gaze and continued eating.

My throat tightened with unexpected emotion.

After dinner, he walked me from the dining hall.

At the doorway, he paused abruptly.

"Anna."

"Yes?"

"If..." he hesitated, "if you wish to leave, you may say so at any time."

I stared at him, shocked.

"What?"

"I'm willing to end our contract," he said. "I'll provide enough money for you and the children to live comfortably."

"Why are you saying this now?"

He looked away.

After a long silence, he spoke, his voice uncertain: "I believe I've fallen in love with you. I'm not entirely sure—love has been foreign to me for centuries. I first saw you outside St. Maria's Orphanage. You were wiping a small child's face with such tenderness. I felt an overwhelming desire to possess you. I assumed it was bloodlust, which is why I arranged our contract. But lately I've realized it wasn't hunger driving me. And if that's true, I can't bear to... keep you captive."

Something ached in my chest. I searched my heart, asking if I truly wanted to return to the orphanage. Knowing the children were thriving, I realized my desire to leave had faded. After a long moment, I answered honestly: "I don't feel captive here."

He studied my face intently.

"Truly?"

"Truly." I met his gaze steadily. "I'm here by choice now."

He held my gaze for what seemed like eternity before nodding.

"That's... good."

He turned and walked away.

I watched him go, a realization dawning within me.

I no longer wanted to leave this place—or him.