The Lament of the Vampire Bride: The Vampire Bride Dark Rebirth Series, #3

By Rhiannon Frater

In the great city of Buda, Hungary, I have sought to establish myself as a member of the new vampire court, and create a family with my love, Ignatius, and my fledgling vampire daughter, Laura. Yet, I am constantly menaced by unknown forces, and the threat of my blood union to Vlad Dracula looms over me.

​

Though I am no longer his prisoner, Vlad Dracula's voice echoes in the recesses of my mind. His blood binds us together in a twisted matrimony in spite of the deep hatred for him that burns within my soul. I yearn to be free from this darkest of magic for I fear that he will return one night, and I will not be able to resist the call of his blood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhiannon Frater
• Release date: Apr 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781393972693

Rhiannon Frater

Rhiannon Frater is the author of As the World Dies, which includes The First Days, Fighting to Survive, and Siege, which she originally self-published before substantially revising the books for Tor’s publication. The First Days and Fighting to Survive each won the Dead Letter Award from Mail Order Zombie.  Frater has written several other horror novels.  She lives in Texas.

Book preview

prologue

Though I am no longer his prisoner, Vlad Dracula’s voice echoes in the recesses of my mind. His blood binds us together in a twisted matrimony in spite of the great hatred for him that burns within my soul. This unholy union is the thorn in my side that prevents me from true happiness and ultimate victory. His blood in my veins is a curse. I yearn to be free for I fear that he will return one night, and I will not be able to resist the call of his blood.

Chapter 1

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

January 1, 1821

The Dosza Palace, Buda, Hungary

Gazing out of the window, I watch the snowflakes dance against the backdrop of the night sky. The flecks are a lovely adornment to the brutal weather that has descended on Buda. The frosty wind is searing, unyielding, and permeates the palace even to the inner rooms. Icy air lingers along the edges of the warm yellow light cast by the flames roaring within the parlor fireplace. As I set my slim silver pen to paper, the cold metal burns my fingers.

Despite my discomfort, I must record my thoughts before the sun rises, and I am compelled to sleep. Within my daily ruminations, I trap and reveal the hidden worries that scurry through my mind like rats hiding in the shadows throughout my waking hours. My mind is ever a calamitous miasma of contradictory thoughts. Illumination comes when I set the pen to paper.

I am ever chaotic. It is my very nature, I suspect.

In spite of the lovely holiday and the awakening of a new year, I am restless and frustrated. The constant snowfall, the burgeoning white drifts, and incessant cold have trapped us in the Dosza palace. There is much I must accomplish, but cannot as Buda remains snowbound.

Earlier tonight, my beloved Ignatius ventured into the storm to observe the conditions within the city. He returned in a somber mood that infected all within the household. The news is bleak. The death toll has started to swell as the temperatures plummet, freezing mortals in their homes. Illness has taken hold of the children and elderly. Soon the dead will accumulate in the undertakers’ cellars for the ground is frozen and burials will not occur until the thaw.

Within the palace, our servants are faring well. Before the winter storms lay siege to the city, the now dead Baroness of Dosza had ordered the larder and woodsheds to be well-stocked. Even though the Baroness was a wicked, cruel woman before her death, Csilla was a competent mistress of her household. It is with a measure of guilt that I recognize I would not have had the forethought to procure the supplies necessary to survive the harsh winter. Slipping ever farther from my mortal coil, food and drink are of no concern. Though the cold is an irritation, it cannot kill me. In the future, I must take note of all the intricacies of running a household dependent upon mortal servants.

As for the vampires of the House of Wright, we feed upon our guards under the watchful eye of Adem, their captain. We take only what is necessary to sustain us, mindful not to drain the men who protect us by day.

I am grateful that Astir the Fallen continues to allow Adem to serve me, although I am certain that the fallen angel has ulterior motives. I have currently escaped the vile games of Vlad Dracula, but I am quite aware that I am a pawn on The Fallen’s chessboard. Therefore, I must be vigilant in my dealings with The Fallen, for it is our emotions upon which Astir feasts.

It is at these darkest times that I am comforted by the presence of my beloved, Ignatius. Though we are just at the very beginning of our grand romance, my heart swells with love whenever I look upon him. He intrigued me from the moment he rescued me from the vampire hunters and completely stole my heart that very same night. Though Ignatius and Vlad were both created by the Immortal Beloved, they are very dissimilar. Vlad attempted to force me to love him through the bond of his blood, but Ignatius has only shown me kindness.

Yet, I sense he is uneasy, too.

Perhaps our preternatural senses are whispering a warning, for I am certain that danger is near.

---

The pen sagged in my slack fingers as my attention drifted to the window and the endless snowfall. Due to not being able to drink my fill of blood, my powers had waned and my vision weakened to equal that of a mortal. The candlelight sifting through the frosted glass could scarcely press back the darkness for it was absolute. The disquiet that had haunted me the last few nights bubbled upward as if from deep waters to the surface of my mind. Since my transformation, I do not fear the dark, but tonight I was wary.

What if something monstrous lingered just beyond the pallid light?

Was I strong enough to defeat it?

You seem perturbed, Ignatius commented from where he sat upon a gilded chair tucked to one side of the marble fireplace. Long raven hair spilling over his shoulders, he bent over a small book while sketching with a stick of charcoal. The firelight shimmered against his hair, revealing the deep blues and purples in the strands. He was a beautiful man with fine strong features and the darkest blue eyes. Every time I cast my eye upon him, my undead little heart pulsed a joyful beat.

Closing my journal and setting my pen aside, I replied, I am pondering all that we have accomplished and what tribulations the days ahead may bring.

You won a great victory against one of the mightiest vampires in Europe and have established yourself as the Mistress of your very own vampire house, and yet you worry. Lifting his eyes, a teasing smile rested upon his lips. Can you not allow yourself a moment of triumph?

Well, yes, I suppose. I tugged at the dressing gown sash secured about my waist with restless hands.

You suppose? Those words are heavy with unspoken trepidation.

Agitated, I resisted the urge to pace about the room like a trapped animal. Can I truly indulge in the temptation to prance about victoriously? I was not being contrary. It was an honest question born of my worries.

Prance about? The thought appeared to amuse Ignatius. I should wonder if Vlad ever pranced about victoriously.

I pressed my fingers over my mouth, twittering at the image his words elicited in my mind’s eye. It was ridiculously comical.

I love the sound of your laughter, Ignatius said, satisfied. "Also, I must admit the idea of you prancing about is appealing."

That is because you are smitten with me.

True words. Ducking his head, he returned to his sketch.

I stood, the long silk ivory dressing gown swirling around my legs. It once belonged to the now deceased Baroness of Dosza, therefore, the hem dragged in my wake like a train. Since she bequeathed her possessions to me, the Dosza Palace is now my home. Alas, her presence lingers in the shadows, an unwelcome disruption to the joy of my inheritance.

I do not mourn her. Csilla betrayed my family and me to Vlad Dracula. The deaths of my father, mother, and sweet little sister were a direct result of Vlad’s lover conspiring with him to bring us to his castle. There, he was to woo me and win me as his mortal bride so my family would introduce him into English society. Instead, my parents had realized that something was amiss and declined his offer. When we attempted to depart, he murdered my family.

I had desired vengeance against Csilla and schemed against her as she had once endeavored to do to me. I friended her under the ruse of being her future vampire mother. I promised her eternal life, but it was a lie, of course. I brought her to the brink of death with nightly sips of her blood. I had no intention of allowing her to become a vampire. My plan was to gently guide her into declaring me her heir before killing her during the winter.

Alas, I was not the one to take her life. In the end, belladonna slipped into her tea and food by her English butler, Brice, killed her. Though he robbed me of the final death blow, I consoled myself with the pleasure of knowing I denied Csilla the immortal life she craved above all else. Furthermore, her corpse now rotted in the mausoleum at the edge of the frozen palace grounds.

The flames in the fireplace sparked and danced, but the warmth they cast was muted by the damp cold emanating from the floor and walls. I listened to the soft scratch of the charcoal against the rough paper. Reluctant to give voice to my concerns, I debated whether or not I should share my worries.

After several ticks of the clock over the mantle, I resumed our thread of conversation. Ignatius, is there truly time to rest upon my laurels? Must I not remain vigilant? The world is fraught with dangers.

Yes, it is, but that shall always be the state of the world.

I said in a tremulous voice, Furthermore, I cannot rest for I sense there is great danger close at hand.

Pausing in his sketching, Ignatius asked, Ilinca and Gavril?

The sibling vampires had seized Buda from the control of an ancient Mongolian vampire named Bataar and now ruled over the supernatural denizens in the city. The vampire sovereigns were the ones who freed me from Vlad’s shackles by acknowledging me as a Mistress of my own vampire household. I did fear the siblings due to their extraordinary powers and formidable vampire progeny, but they were not my principal concern.

I fluttered my hand dismissively. I believe they are true allies. At least for now. When I fought Vlad for my freedom, they did come to my assistance and stood against him. Moreover, they must retain me as a member of their court if they wish to sustain their hold over the city of Buda against their enemies.

"You are powerful," Ignatius agreed.

As are you. I lingered near the fireplace, hands clasped before me. With you at my side, my house is an even more formidable ally as far as Gavril is concerned.

True. Ignatius inclined his head, but then cast a thoughtful look upon me through his thick lashes. If Gavril and Ilinca are not the cause of your unhappiness, then who or what is the cause? Vlad is exiled from the city. His voice stumbled over his vampire brother’s name, and a crease of worry formed between his brows. It will be some time before he dares to reenter Buda.

And he will.

Yes, but not immediately. He must scheme his way back into the good graces of Ilinca and Gavril.

"He will convince them of his worthiness and will be invited into their court. That truth disturbs me terribly. How can I possibly thwart his plans if I am not privy to them? How can I know that even now I am not blundering somehow into one of his elaborate schemes?"

The frown upon Ignatius’s brow deepened. Was it because of my words or his concentration upon his sketch? The scrape of the charcoal against the parchment paper was the only sound other than the crackling fire. At last, he said, You bested him. He did not win. Do not let him rob you of your victory. His long lashes cast dark shadows over his cheeks as he regarded me.

Settling into the chair across from him, I combed my fingers through my long red curls. I noted my nervous gesture and forced my hands to my lap. I do not feel victorious.

He lifted his head, his dark blue eyes scrutinizing me. Truly?

I bobbed my chin once. Yes.

And why is that?

Must I remind you that every day we sleep in a different bedchamber in an attempt to hide from the tendrils of his dark magic?

The nightmares I had suffered in the previous year still haunted me. At first, I believed the unpleasant visions of Vlad Dracula attempting to seduce me in my bed and summon me to his side were merely dreams. Then, one night, I had awakened to find Vlad’s spirit body in my bed. Though entombed by my hand deep in the Carpathian Mountains, he had reached out through our bond of blood in an attempt to ensnare me with his power. Vlad Dracula was no mere vampire, for he had studied the darkest magicks under the tutelage of Lucifer at the nefarious Scholomance. Worse yet, he was now free from his imprisonment. Fearful that he would once again use dark magic to assault me, Ignatius and I slept together in different bedchambers every day.

We have successfully evaded him, Glynis. Ignatius tilted his head so his hair framed his pale face. He has not touched you again, correct?

Thus far, but for how much longer must we hide from his evil?

He is mighty, Glynis, but he cannot sustain the immense drain on his power it would take to project his spirit every day.

And yet he will continue to seek me out.

Ignatius sat upright in his stiff-backed chair, the bit of charcoal clutched in his stained fingers. Yes, and we will continue to elude him. We will find ways to thwart him. You are not his anymore. You are no longer his wife, nor his vampire bride. You are free.

My gaze fleetingly touched the aquamarine ring upon my finger, a Christmas gift from Astir. I was very fond of the piece for the stone perfectly matched my eyes. Also, it had replaced the hated gold and ruby wedding ring Vlad had forced upon my finger. It was such cruel irony that I yearned for that horrid bit of jewelry whenever I sensed the tendrils of Vlad’s powers reach for me.

For a time I was emancipated from Vlad’s influence after I had employed a gypsy to create a talisman to hide me from Vlad’s power. She had cursed the ring, corrupting the bond between Vlad and me. The very wedding ring Vlad insisted I wear after he had raped, killed, and transformed me into a vampire had protected me until he snatched it away. Though I asked for Ilinca and Gavril to return it should they ever find it in their haven, the place of my last confrontation with Vlad, they replied that it was never found. I suspected Vlad stole it before he departed the city.

But not free in all ways. I am still strangled by the ties of blood between Vlad and me.

Ignatius winced at my words.

I need a new talisman, Ignatius.

Once there is a thaw, Adem will continue his search for the gypsy fortuneteller. We shall find her. I swear it. His solemn expression and firm tone alleviated some of my worries.

It was such a sweet sensation to be liberated of his foul bond of blood, I wistfully remarked.

Thoughtful, Ignatius rubbed his stained fingers together while gazing at the wood burning in the hearth. The flames licked about the fireplace as though seeking to break free from captivity. And you will be again. I swear it though it may take some time.

I am not a patient creature.

With a wry smile, he bowed his head in agreement. No, you are not.

For years I was called foolish and headstrong by those around me. And perhaps I am because I believe I can somehow outwit Vlad. I let out a small growl of frustration. I know he is much more adept at playing these elaborate games of life and death that the denizens of the supernatural realm seem to enjoy so much, and I am but a mere novice.

Yet here you are. Vlad is banished, you are your own Mistress, the Baroness is dead, you are her heir, and all that you desired is yours. A palace, extensive funds, your vampire daughter...

You. A smile touched the corners of my mouth.

Joy sparked in his gaze. I am so very happy you placed me upon your list.

Of course! Your name is at the very top, I should say!

"Then I am pleased and honored."

Ignatius grinned, his face illuminated with his passion for me. It was that very look that provoked my heart to stutter and my mind to drift to illicit thoughts. The delicious lick of desire bloomed inside me, and it was a struggle to resist the pull of his gaze. With some effort, I returned to our conversation.

I suppose I must acknowledge that I have greatly benefited from Astir’s guidance. I was not steered wrong through the obstacles of the last few months. The Fallen has taught me valuable lessons. Raising my eyes to the high ceiling above my head, I reflected upon the halo of golden light cast by the fire pressing back the shadows. Like the flames, Astir had cast a light across my life that kept the darkness at bay during the previous year. It was Astir’s sure hand that had helped me garner the allegiance of Ilinca and Gavril and free me from Vlad’s immediate power. Astir wore the visage of a friend, yet I was acutely aware of the Fallen Angel’s duplicitous nature. A year ago I was trapped in the crumbling castle in the Carpathian Mountains starving and afraid, and now I am here. I suppose I did learn to not be quite as impetuous as I have been in the past.

We shall see how well that lesson has perfused that willful brain of yours. The playfulness of Ignatius’s voice stole a bit of the sting from his words, but I was stung nonetheless.

I narrowed my eyes at him and sniffed. You wound me.

That was certainly not my intention. I rather enjoy your willfulness. If not for your impetuous ways we would not be here now, he said soberly. When we first met, I would have denied my passions for you if you had not pursued me.

Parting my lips, I prepared to protest this assertion but hesitated, recognizing it was the truth. The night he saved me from the vampire hunters, I had deliberately seduced him. Upon reflection, I acknowledged it was a much more complicated act than merely being attracted to a mysterious handsome hero. It was an act born of the need to purge Vlad’s touch from my body. It was empowering to willingly choose to be with a man who showed me kindness, not cruelty. That lovely night when I had gazed into Ignatius’s eyes for the very first time, I had seen a reflection of my own acute loneliness alongside the need to feel more than the terrors of the world.

I have stilled your tongue, he teased. And reddened your cheeks.

Only because I have the memory of your particular endowments within my mind’s eye, I said and tilted my head to gaze upon his lap. I was duly impressed.

Throwing back his head, he laughed. You are without shame.

And neither were you. I curled into my chair, resting my feet against the seat. I will never apologize for following my heart. It guided me to you, Laura, Magda, and Adem. You are my new family, and I cherish you all.

But you are afraid.

I cannot endure this constant sense of foreboding. Do you not feel it, too? I often see you gazing out the window as though seeking someone hidden in the shadows.

Ignatius leaned toward me, setting an elbow upon his knee. Glynis, I do sense something is amiss, but I cannot discern what, or who, may be the cause. I suspected it was merely my fear of Vlad returning to take you from me clouding my judgment and making me fret. Upon reflection, I fear it is an unknown menace, and that has me very ill at ease.

Your words match my own misgivings, I confessed.

Perhaps it is because we are unaccustomed to having a respite from the violence of our world. I was reticent to share my suspicions until I could substantiate there is cause for concern. My venture into the city tonight was to ascertain the state of the supernatural world. It is surprisingly peaceful. There is not any gossip about Vlad, and no word of any of our kind making intrusions on the city. Adem’s men have been ever vigilant in protecting you, and he reports there has been no sign of Vlad. I even spoke to Astir. The fool is glutted on the emotions filling the haven now that his patrons have returned.

He must have been half-starved during the war between the House of Gavril and the House of Bataar. I smiled bitterly. But he drank deep from my cup of dark emotions, did he not?

Yes, I am certain he did, Ignatius replied morosely. But The Fallen assured me Vlad is not in the city. Rumor has placed him at the vineyard he owns several hours from Buda. Since there appears to be no need for concern other than this ever persistent feeling of unease, I wanted you to enjoy your triumph over Vlad.

And yet I cannot claim victory for I know that the battle is not yet over. I am weary of flailing about in this web of Vlad’s creation. How can I defeat him?

Rubbing his charcoal-sullied fingertips together, Ignatius appeared to give the question great thought. As the seconds ticked away on the clock above the mantle, he remained silent.

Ignatius?

Remain your glorious complicated self, he said at last.

You mock me. I sniffed.

No, I speak the truth. Ignatius bestowed his most somber expression upon me. Your mere presence in Buda creates ripples that spread out throughout the human and supernatural world. Your very nature, perfectly reflected in your fiery hair, creates turmoil because you do not acknowledge or bow to the conventions of either world.

Both the human aristocrats and the supernaturals regarded me as some sort of foreign exotic bird. Because I am endlessly complicated.

Because you know that the traditions of both worlds are cruel and unfair. As long as your presence complicates the social structures of both worlds, it will make it very difficult for any ploy to work against you. Your very nature destroys the schemes of those who would strike out at you for you always perform the unexpected.

I scoffed at the idea, though I sensed it was true. I am doomed to strive constantly against a swelling tide of obstacles to achieve my own desires. To find my happiness.

Ignatius slid to his knees and rested his hands against mine, lightly smudging them. I did not mind the stain for his touch calmed the wild fearful fluttering within my breast.

Though it grieves me that you have suffered so much loss, I am glad you are here with me. You remind me of all that I thought was lost and inspire me to be a better man. A wry smile lifted the corners of his lips. You have incited my rebellious nature and provoked me to no longer remain apathetic in the matters of my personal life.

His words sparked my mischievous nature. Because you desire to be with me.

Dark blue eyes peering into mine, he said, Yes.

I have corrupted you.

In the most delicious manner.

Rising upward, he pressed a long kiss to my cheek. I leaned into his touch as he lingered at my side, the nearness of his lips tantalizing mine. His eyes were hooded with desire, and I experienced no qualms opening my heart to him. Very lightly his lips brushed over mine and he said in a gruff voice, There is but a short time before the sun rises.

Are you seducing me? I breathed with anticipation.

As you once did me, he answered, his mouth claiming mine in a firm kiss.

My fingers curled about his collar as I pulled him close, my lips parting to invite his tongue. He tasted of red wine and blood, inflaming my desire. Tucking my hands beneath his hair, I rested my palms against his neck. My mouth embraced his with rapturous delight as the need for him burned in my body.

A scream from the recesses of the palace startled me out of our passionate reverie.

Did you hear that? I gasped.

Yes, Ignatius responded, the alarm on his face very obvious in the firelight.

Was it from without or within the house?

I am uncertain, Glynis, but we must be cautious. Someone may be attempting to lure us into a trap.

Or invading our haven.

Without a human owner, my home was open to intrusion by vampires and mortals.

Rising together, Ignatius seized a dagger from the sheath hidden in his waistcoat as I pulled a smaller silver blade from my sleeve. Since the night Cneajna invaded our home and attacked us, we are always armed with silver. Our eyes met as we stood indecisively before the fire.

Who would dare attack us, Ignatius?

How many enemies have we accumulated over the last year?

The question elicited small smiles from us both.

The scream came again. It was feminine, high-pitched, and agonized. My acute hearing ascertained that the appalling noise was emanating from deep within the house.

Inside, I gasped.

The servants’ quarters. Come. Ignatius darted out of the small sitting room attached to our bedroom and into the hallway.

Flexing my fingers about the hilt of my dagger, I rushed after Ignatius to face our foe.

Had the darkness finally disgorged the source of our disquiet?

Chapter 2

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

Continued

As I recount the night’s events, I am haunted by all that I witnessed, for it was a bitter reminder that I am not always the most terrible monster lurking in the shadows.

---

Trailing in Ignatius’s wake, my feet scarcely touched the ground in my haste. Once more, screams echoed from the depths of the house. We rushed onward past windows covered in thick curtains, sphinxes resting on marble podiums, and old oil paintings illuminated by candles tucked into silver and gold candelabra.

A door swung open further up the corridor. Laura, my vampire daughter, emerged with her nightgown askew and her chestnut hair falling in wild disarray about her pale shoulders. Eyes wide, she scurried to greet us. In her small hand was a wickedly curved silver dagger.

Completely nude, clutching a revolver, and attempting to dress, Katya, a most troublesome servant and Laura’s companion, stumbled out of the bedroom. For once Katya’s usual smirk was gone, replaced by a grimace of fear. The tall, blonde woman tugged a nightgown over her voluptuous form with some difficulty due to the firearm held in one hand but managed to cover herself. It was a rare act of modesty, most likely out of consideration for Ignatius.

We heard a scream, Laura gasped.

As did we, Ignatius said.

I clasped Laura’s free hand and gazed into her green eyes flecked with amber. Do not fear. We shall deal with whatever has invaded the house. I promise.

Is it Vlad? Katya’s voice trembled, her face blanched with fear. Her vivid blue eyes cast frightened looks into the shadows thrown by the candlelight.

It is uncertain, Ignatius replied. Laying his hands upon Laura’s shoulders, he gently guided her away from me and toward her bedroom. Remain here with Katya. Glynis and I shall deal accordingly with any intrusion into our home.

A protest on her lips, Laura turned to me for assurance. Please do not leave me to suffer from worry.

Katya seized my arm. Stay with us! If it is Vlad, only you can protect us.

I thrust Katya into Laura’s arms. Stay with Laura! And, Laura, prevent Katya from acting foolishly.

I am no fool! I would never endanger her! Katya glowered but remained at Laura’s side. Her wild untamable nature was a great annoyance, but her devotion to Laura was absolute.

You cannot ask this of me. It is torture to stay behind, Laura objected. Glynis, please, let me fight with you.

You are not yet trained to do so, I responded, ignoring Katya’s scowl and Laura’s pout.

It is for the best. You must wait here with Katya. Do as we say, Ignatius commanded, clearly not in the mood to debate the matter. When Katya once more started to whine in protest, he snapped, "Both of you must remain here. If it is Vlad, you will hinder us, not help us."

Stay, Laura. Please, for your own sake and ours, I said.

Whereas Laura had been ready to defy Ignatius, she assented to my instruction. Perhaps out of loyalty and love, but more likely it was the power of the blood union between us. Lowering her head, she stepped back into her room, drawing Katya with her. The suddenness of her acquiescence tore at my soul. It reminded me too much of my own blood-driven obedience to Vlad.

The clack of boot heels against the polished wooden floor captured our attention, and the four of us immediately prepared for battle. Several of Adem’s guards darted through the archway opening from a smaller hallway. They were quite formidable in their black uniforms, turbans, and shiny leather boots and were suitably armed with silver daggers and firearms. Their soles slid upon the slick floor, but they remained in formation.

Adem sent us to protect you, Cezar, one of Adem’s most trusted men, announced.

Good. Protect them, Ignatius ordered, gesturing to the two young women in the doorway.

Adem said to watch over you as well, sir, Cezar replied.

Shaking his head, long dark hair falling over his brow, Ignatius said, If it is Vlad, only we can stop him.

Leaving the guards to protect Laura, I hurried alongside Ignatius through the dimly lit corridors of the palace. Again the cries of pain issued forth from somewhere deep in the recesses of my home. The murmur of frightened voices and barked commands echoed through the grand foyer that loomed ahead. We reached the grand staircase and peered over to see our domestics huddled together. The house servants, clad in their nightclothes, were in a panicked state. Surrounded by guards, they fretfully chattered while clutching loved ones close. I anxiously scrutinized the throng seeking out Magda, my personal maid and confidant, before recalling she was snowbound at Astir’s haven. She had departed the day before to visit her young son, who was in the care of Astir, and was trapped by a fresh storm.

Ignatius and I hurried down the winding staircase to join the gathering. Since the servants were not aware of our nature, we both secreted our weapons before reaching the grand foyer.

Are thieves in the house? Brice, the main butler, asked upon seeing our arrival. His proper English accent always reminded me of home, but the anger in my chest burned fierce at the thought of his duplicity.

Unknown, I briskly replied.

Upon becoming conscious that we were among them, the servants sought reassurance. Questions flew like bees about us, demanding answers we did not have.

Who here saw what occurred? Ignatius asked.

A monster is in the servant’s quarters, one of the young scullery maids cried out, tears streaking her face. We were asleep and awakened to hear a beast growling.

Monsters, Hajna scoffed. The older round woman with thick dark hair streaked with white and shrewd blue eyes ruled over the palace as the housekeeper. I had seen Csilla consulting with her often before her death, but I was leery of her. I was certain Hajna’s intimate knowledge of the palace, though advantageous in her position, was also a danger. Magda behaved as my intercessor in all matters of the household. Hajna did not appreciate this arrangement in the least, and I had little doubt that she was suspicious of me. It was those gypsies! The ones who killed poor Miss Laura’s parents.

Perhaps it was another wolf? Like the one who attacked before Christmas, a gangly male workman suggested.

It was Cneajna who had attacked us disguised as a wolf, but we were able to weave a story that removed any supernatural element to convey to our servants. My vampire mother often altered her form into that of a white wolf, but so did Vlad and his other wives. If it was one of them, perhaps Vlad was moving against me.

It was not a wolf. Or gypsies. One of the older men, Gáspár, that served as a footman stepped forward. His gray hair was mussed and he was red-eyed from being awakened. I woke when I heard the screams and ran into the hall just as Annaka stumbled out of the room she shares with her sister. Her face was shredded, as though clawed by a beast, and then a shadow grabbed her and dragged her back into the room, slamming the door.

A monster! See! the scullery maid said, visibly feeling vindicated.

But you did not see the...monster? Ignatius glanced toward me, his air one of concern.

No, sir, I did not, Gáspár answered, lowering his eyes. Just the furry arms.

Gáspár, you have furry arms, someone said.

This elicited a few snickers, but they were devoid of mirth.

Did any of you actually see the intruder? Ignatius studied the faces about him, seeking out an answer. The servants shook their heads, exchanging uneasy glances.

A teenage boy who worked in the kitchens timidly stepped forward. We tried to open the door, sir. All of us together, but it was locked.

We heard terrible noises inside the room, sir, another man with unruly dark hair added while shaking his head. Ungodly, hellish noises.

Gypsies, the older maid sniffed. Beastly people. Hairy.

Placing his hand on the shoulder of a guard standing watch, Ignatius asked, Where is Adem?

He is attempting to find the intruder. We were ordered to protect the servants, the guard answered.

Then protect them. Casting a quick look in my direction, Ignatius said, Come with me, Glynis.

Father Ignatius, the lady of the house should remain for her safety, Brice interjected. He had remained quiet, listening to the others speak, but now stepped forward. Because of his knowledge of my true nature, he could be both an ally and a hindrance.

Ignatius hesitated, uncertainty in his eyes.

In an ordinary situation, Brice was correct. The lady of the house should be sequestered, safe, and guarded while others ventured forth to confront prowlers with ill intent. But this was no ordinary situation, and the circumstances demanded that I protect my haven. As I stood among the household servants, it occurred to me that I had never truly looked into the faces of those who cared for my estate and well-being. I did not even know most of their names. Guilt filled my soul for they were under my care and it was my responsibility to protect them.

My father taught me to hunt at a very young age. If I see the intruder, I will shoot him, I said in a gentle yet firm tone.

Without a word, one of my guards removed his weapon from his holster and handed it to me.

Thank you. The ivory grip was warm in my hand as I stood with the barrel pointed at the floor. The servants remained quiet, scrutinizing my every move, and undoubtedly astounded by my proclamation. As the new mistress of this household, I must make certain that those in my employ and care are safe. Thank you for your concern.

You are brave, ma’am, someone said.

Or foolish, Hajna murmured.

I would not have heard her if not for my vampire senses.

As you wish, ma’am, Brice said, stepping aside.

I suppose things are different in England, one of the maids whispered to another.

I will keep you safe, Countess Dracula, Ignatius said, holding out his hand.

I know you shall.

We would have to be very careful with just how unorthodox we tended to behave in the future. Already many tongues were wagging about Father Ignatius sleeping in my bedchamber, but I was not about to be parted from him.

Ignatius guided me through an open doorway to the servant’s hallway. The narrow space lacked light and adornments of any kind. Other corridors leading to the different wings of the palace branched off at intervals, allowing the servants to move through the residence without entering the main areas. Though I was not well acquainted with this part of the palace, I was aware that the servants’ sleeping chambers were two floors above us.

At the end of the passage, a long narrow staircase led upward. Ignatius set his foot on the bottom stair and hesitated. The darkness in the stairwell was absolute, but I could discern the steps despite my sapped abilities. For certain neither one of us was robust with power due to our limited supply of blood. We had been careful not to deplete the guards, but now I regretted our practice. We were at a great disadvantage. Of course, we had not expected Vlad or any other enemy to move against us in the dead of winter or while I was under the protection of the House of Gavril. Obviously, this was a mistake. From this point forward, we would need to feed until we were fully replenished.

Ignatius continued to pause at the foot of the stairs, his head cocked to listen.

I hear nothing, I whispered.

Which is a concern.

We best hurry then.

We ascended the stairwell, but with caution. If Vlad was inside the palace, all were in grave danger. If it was Cneajna returning for vengeance, we were still facing a capable foe. I could not imagine who else would possibly attack my household since I was under the protection of Ilinca and Gavril.

After weaving about several landings, we arrived at the top floor of the house and the cramped dwelling of the servants. The main passage was quite cold and bits of snow-flecked the air. Somewhere a window was open to the elements. Crouching slightly, Ignatius advanced with the blade in his hand held before him. The icy gusts tossed his long hair about his shoulders and buffeted my long robe. Recognizing the garment was a potential detriment; I unfastened it and slid it from my shoulders. Whereas a mortal woman would freeze if only clad in a nightgown, I only registered a mild discomfort.

Arriving at an intersection, we scrutinized which path to follow. In their haste to escape, the servants had left their doors ajar. A few discarded blankets, sleeping caps, and slippers dotted the bare floor. I tucked the revolver into my robe and drew out my dagger. It would be a more effective weapon against whatever supernatural creature had invaded the palace.

The wind is coming from that direction. Ignatius pointed down a shorter hallway.

Cautiously, we ventured onward. The snow crunched beneath our feet and the wind whistled through the darkness. The scent of blood tainted the frigid air announcing death in the rooms ahead.