Dracula And Anna: Finding The truth

Ch 1: Amnesia

Opening her eyes, Anna found herself lying in a very comfortable bed. Sitting up, she started looking around the room, she realised that she was in a very strange, yet, familiar place. Suddenly she felt pain in her head, which felt very much like a hangover. She laid her head back onto the pillow. Her eyes searched around the room, and the first thing she noticed was that the bed was large enough to have fitted several people. The sheets and pillows were made of black silk. Then noticed the man lying next to her, on top of the covers; he was wearing his usual black that she knew so well.

'Anna,' he whispered (sounding relieved), his eyes resting on hers. He put his left arm across her waist to rest just above her right hip. He leaned in to kiss her, but he noticed Anna's face held an expression that said, "what the hell is going on!" Seeing the look on her face, he asked worried, 'are you alright Anna?'

She threw him a look of venom, 'what do you think you're doing?'

He was obviously confused, 'what I always do,' his eyes narrowed, 'what's the last thing you remember?' She looked away from him and shut her eyes, as she tried to remember.

'I remember killing Aleera, then running to save Van Helsing, but no further after that.' Her eyes slowly opened and she looked like she was going to cry.

There was not a sound, nor movement for a moment, as her words sunk in. She turned back to him. He looked as if he were staring out into space; perhaps he was deep in thought since he wasn't looking at her.

'Would you care to explain what happened that night?'

'Things like that should always remain in the past.'

'Where'd you get that bullshit from?'

He turned to her, his eyes full of curiosity, 'you did.'

'No, I never...'

'Yes, you did,' he interrupted, 'you told me that when you wanted to forget those days...' his voice trailed off.

'Only from your death would those memories be able to rest in peace, Count.'

He stared at her, 'you haven't called me Count in years, so... you truly don't remember.'

'Remember what?' she asked, but seeing the look in his eyes, she added, 'forget I asked,' and turned away. Moments passed in silence, then...

'What are you doing here, anyway?' she asked him, not looking at him.

'I live here.'

'Then why am I here?'

'Because you live here.'

'How can we both live here?' She was dreading the answer.

His reply came in a soft voice, but it flowed like normal speech.

'Because,' she turned to look at him, 'you, Anna,' he was moving closer to her, 'are my,' his face so close, 'bride,' he gently kissed her cheek.

'How long has it been?' she asked, her eyes not leaving his.

He stared at her, 'how long has what been?'

'Since that night, the night Van Helsing tried to kill you?'

He smirked at her, 'you don't want to know.'

'Tell me!' she insisted, though she wasn't sure that she really wanted to know.

'Another time, perhaps, when you have remembered some of your past.' He smiled a knowing smile at her.

She forced herself out of the bed, throwing his hand off - the Count didn't look too pleased by this - and headed straight for the door. She couldn't help but wonder if she was high, at least that's what it felt like. Strangely her strength was gone, but the Count opened the door for her, without being asked. She found herself in another room. The room was very strange, yet, familiar...

She was wondering very much about the room that she didn't notice that someone else was nearby, 'Anna,' came a very pleased voice. Turning she saw a beautiful woman with long blonde hair.

'Lily,' said Dracula softly to the woman, giving her a quick kiss.

'Hello Master,' she said sweetly.

'Lily, Anna has amnesia.' explained the Count, 'The last thing she remembers is the night that is forbidden to be mentioned.'

Lily turned to Anna, (sounding sorry, though she doubted that she really was) 'you poor thing.'

'And who are you, Lily?' Anna asked, wanting to know more.

Dracula smiled, though Anna couldn't help but think it was a little false, 'Lily is my youngest bride.'

'Youngest bride?' Anna muttered thoughtfully. Dracula was watching her carefully.

'Anna, you know I have more than one bride.' Looking at him, she realised that he was right. Count Dracula, from what she could remember, used to have three brides. Verona, the eldest and strongest bride, was the one bride that did not play games. Verona was very commanding and knew what she was doing. She may even have been as old as Dracula. Marishka may not have been the eldest, but was into having fun, just as much as the annoying Aleera, who was very protective.

'You may wander the castle, Anna if you wish, but it is advisable that you do not leave.' Dracula was acting very differently towards her. She wasn't used to this behaviour, had he been telling the truth? Was Anna one of Dracula's brides?