CASTLEVANIA: Huntress of Darkness

Chapter 4 : Better Nature

PART 4 – Better Nature

The castle powered up as I walked down the long corridor. Balls of light glistened in red color, which gave the place an eerie glow. Torches lit on their own, and per habit, I reached for the hilt of my sword. Chandeliers all glistened in red. Quite atmospheric setting.

This place changed a lot since the last time I was here.

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The first time I was here, though... it looked like the richest, most magnificent castle I've ever stepped into. Being brought in a similar class... I've seen my fair share of castles. Just, none this spacious... luxurious... and magical. Literally magical. As a child, I was absolutely in awe by Dracula's home.

"Come now, darling. Give me your hand."

It was melancholic... remembering how mother walked me down this very corridor. And at the end of it... a woman greeted mom with a warm smile. They were old friends. Her long, blonde hair shone like gold under the light of chandeliers. Her dress was beautiful... as everything else about her was. Lisa from Lupu was like an angel.

"Justina," even her voice sounded soft. "Welcome! I am glad you finally managed to make some time and join me. It's been quite a while. Was the journey exhausting?"

My mother hardly had such smile in our castle.

"Oh, we took our time. We rested along the way. Our carriage is rather comfortable."

Lisa saw me gripping my mother's hand.

"So, this must be Ilona! Hello, little one. Welcome!"

"Greetings, my lady Tepes," I bowed down, just as I was taught.

"Please, call me Lisa," she caressed my hair.

I remembered her pleasant tone, her hospitality. That woman was kind and gentle. It was heart wrecking... to witness what happened to her at Targoviste. No wonder Dracula behaved the way he did. I could understand his reasons for his war. I could understand the wrath of the vampire king. But I also understood Lisa's love of humans. She was too benevolent, our lady Tepes. She was a good host. A good friend to my mother, regardless of their circumstances.

"Well, well. If it isn't Justina Bathory," he came from darkness, as if he dived out of it.

Grown up people used to shudder in front of such creature... yet alone a child that I was. I don't remember ever being that scared before. It was as if one of my nightmares walked right out of shadows.

He was the tallest person I've ever seen. The scariest one too, if we disregard my father who was both menacing and violent man. In our rather strange household, my human father was the worst person of them all... while vampires like Dracula strangely weren't. My uncle, for instance.

While Dragoslav was really intimidating, he didn't strike such horror in me as much as my own father did. My father, the voivode, used to horrify me with stories of Dracula despite being his good friend. He threatened the vampire king would impale me on one of his spikes if I didn't behave. Father had this sadistic sense of humor that I never liked. And neither did my mother.

"Vlad," Justina Bathory bowed in the presence of a nobleman, "It's a pleasure."

From her, his eyes turned towards me. I hid behind my mother's dress.

"Ilona is a bit shy," mother announced, caressing my hair to pacify me.

"Unlike you, then. Where does she get it from?" Vlad actually smiled back, and I was shocked to see him that way. Just a moment ago, he was the scariest person in the whole world.