Vlad Dracula

Chapter 13

The darkness yielded to a blurry vision of Alexander's concerned face hovering above me. His voice, deep and warm, rumbled in my ears.

"Easy there, lass. You gave us quite a scare."

I blinked, trying to clear the fog from my mind. The scent of lavender was stronger now, and I realized I was lying on a plush armchair, a soft blanket draped across my body. Elena sat beside me, her brow furrowed with worry. Vlad stood near the window, his back to you, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes. He saw me and ran to me. 

"What happened?" I croaked, my voice raspy.

"You fainted again," Elena explained gently. "Alexander here checked you over, and it seems you're just dehydrated and a bit overexerted. But maybe it's best to postpone this meeting for another day. Your health is more important." Shame washed over me once more. I fainted not once, but twice, jeopardizing not only my own well-being but also the potential opportunity to help Vlad. I opened my mouth to apologize, but Vlad's voice cut me off.

"No," he said, his tone firm but laced with concern. "We'll stay. I'm worried about you, Kat, but I also don't want to waste Alexander's time." He turned, his blue eyes meeting mine with a newfound intensity. "Besides, you seem determined. And that's something I admire."

A warmth spread through me at his words. Taking a deep breath, I sat up, pushing back the blanket. "I am determined. To help you, Vlad. This curse... it shouldn't define you."

Elena placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch grounding. "Alright then," she said with a decisive nod. "Let's see what Alexander can tell us."

Her gaze shifted to the silver-haired man, who had been observing the exchange with a knowing smile. He gestured us to a nearby chairs. Apparently this building is owned by Alexander. It was more of a mansion than house. 

"Come, come, let's get you comfortable, Katrina. And then, we shall delve into the matters that trouble your man Vlad." "My what?" I could not help but shout. Alexander winked at me as if he was cupid and this time he had chosen Vlad for me. First Elena and now him, pfft...

I allowed Elena to help me in to the chair, feeling a wave of gratitude for her unwavering support. As I settled in, a nervous anticipation fluttered in my stomach. I was about to embark on a journey I never could have predicted, one that held the potential to change not just Vlad's life, but mine as well.

Alexander launched into an explanation, his voice filled with the quiet wisdom of ages. It seems he had also walked the world for centuries like Vlad or is it just his powers? He spoke of ancient rituals, of forgotten lore, and of a hidden library rumored to hold the key to breaking Vlad's curse. The path wouldn't be easy, he warned, filled with danger and uncertainty. But a flicker of hope ignited in my chest. "Vlad, you and Katrina are meant to find each other. It's not normal or health wise that made her sick it is her power. She is so powerful to the point she can help you get rid of your darkness. As a super natural being I can see light in you Katrina." Alexander told looking at me. 

A wry smile played on Alexander's lips as he finished his explanation. The weight of the ancient knowledge settled heavily in the room, a stark contrast to the crackling fire that cast dancing shadows on the walls.

"But there's more," he continued, his gaze flickering to Elena, who had been listening intently. "This path you walk, Vlad, it requires not just courage, but a balance. And sometimes, that balance comes in the most unexpected forms. For example you have to control your anger."

His eyes, the same piercing blue as Vlad's, held a knowing glint as they met Elena's. A subtle shift in his posture, a hint of amusement in his voice, suggested a playful undercurrent to his next words.

"You, Elena, with your pragmatism and sharp mind, are the anchor that keeps both Vlad and Katrina grounded. Without your wit and unwavering loyalty, this journey might well be doomed."

I was wondering what he meant when in reality Elena was a regular human like me. Elena, ever the stoic one, raised an eyebrow but a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Just doing my part, Alexander," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Undeterred, Alexander chuckled, a rich sound that resonated in the room. "Doing your part, indeed. But some might say it's fate that brought you all together. A touch of destiny, wouldn't you agree?"

He gestured towards me, his gaze warm. "And Katrina, ah, Katrina. You, my dear, are a fascinating anomaly. The way you fainted, twice no less, wasn't just exhaustion. It was a surge of power, a raw potential waiting to be harnessed." A blush crept up my neck at his words. I was not sure how to react, caught off guard by this unexpected revelation. Vlad, who had been unusually quiet throughout Alexander's explanation, shifted slightly, a hint of possessiveness flickering in his gaze. "Don't worry, my buddy Vlad," Alexander boomed with a hearty laugh, sensing the shift in the room. "This power of hers, it's meant to be used for good, to aid you in your quest. It's a light that can help dispel the darkness you carry."

He winked at Elena, who rolled her eyes playfully. "Besides," he continued, leaning forward conspiratorially, "every hero needs a strong woman by his side, wouldn't you agree, Elena?"

Elena snorted, a genuine laugh escaping her lips. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Alexander's lightheartedness was a welcome change. The tension in the room eased, replaced by a sense of camaraderie, a feeling that we were all in this together.

As the fire crackled and the night wore on, the plan began to take shape. Maps were unfurled, ancient texts deciphered, and strategies debated. But amidst the seriousness, there were stolen glances between me and Vlad and of course Elena and Alexander, shared jokes, and a growing sense of connection that transcended the immediate task at hand. This unlikely group, brought together by fate and a shared purpose, was forging a bond that promised to be far more than just a temporary alliance. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but with a flicker of hope ignited and a newfound strength discovered within each other, we were ready to face it. I was in my thoughts when I heard others deeply conversing "Not at all," Alexander countered, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "A hero needs both brains and brawn, wouldn't you say, Vlad?" Vlad remained silent, but a slight smile played on his lips, a rare sight that sent a flutter in my stomach. The way he looked at Alexander, with a hint of amusement and something deeper, made me wonder what their history was. Perhaps they'd known each other for years, connected by their shared knowledge of the supernatural.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I gripped the armrest of the chair, willing the nausea away. Maybe I had pushed myself too hard.

"Are you alright, Kat?" Vlad's voice was beside me, a gentle concern laced with something else, something I couldn't quite decipher.

"Just a bit... woozy," I mumbled, feeling his warm hand brush against mine. A jolt of electricity shot through me, making my breath catch.

"Perhaps you should rest," Elena suggested, her voice laced with concern.

I wanted to protest, to show my strength, but fatigue weighed me down. With a sigh, I nodded. "Maybe you're right."

Vlad helped me stand, his touch lingering on my arm just a beat too long. As I retired to a room Alexander had prepared for me, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. This night had revealed more than just the secret to breaking Vlad's curse. It had revealed a hidden power within me and a connection between us all that transcended the immediate task at hand. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring, and what role this strange power would play in our fight against the darkness.