Vlad Dracula

Chapter 19

"Definitely," I replied, the weight on my chest lifting. "And don't worry, you'll get to meet Vlad soon enough. He's... different from what you'd expect." "Different how?" Penelope asked, her curiosity evident. "Well, for starters, he's nothing like the monstrous figure from the legends. He's kind, thoughtful, and he's trying so hard to fight his dark urges. He needs help, not fear." Penelope sighed on the other end of the line. "Sounds like you've got your hands full, Katrina. But if anyone can handle it, it's you. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?" "I promise," I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Penelope. For everything." "That's what friends are for," she replied warmly. "Now, get some rest. You've got a big trip ahead of you, and you're going to need all the energy you can get." As we ended the call, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. With Penelope on our side, I knew we stood a better chance of finding a solution for Vlad. I do not know what we will face but all that I know is our bond will give us strength. I just cannot wait for my best friend to meet my new gang. I made my way back inside, finding Vlad, Alexander, and Elena waiting for me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. "How did it go?" Vlad asked, his voice gentle. "She took it surprisingly well," I said with a smile. "And she's coming with us to Turkey. She will join us." Elena raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's great news!" Alexander nodded in agreement. "The more, the merrier. And Penelope sounds like someone who can handle whatever comes our way." Vlad's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Katrina. For telling her, and for bringing her along. It means a lot to me."

In Turkey, someone's POV

So they are taking a private flight to here it seems. This is just making it seem more easier. They think they will get answers to their mystery just by coming to Turkey but they will only meet their doom. I will finally make Katrina mine. Let's see Vlad how you are going to face it hehe

Katrina's POV

The private jet hummed gently as we soared above the clouds, the world below a patchwork of lights and darkness. I reclined in the plush leather seat, glancing around at my companions. Alexander and Elena were deep in conversation, their heads close together, while Vlad stared out of the window, lost in his own thoughts. We will meet Penelope in Istanbul, I think she also might be on the plane by now. When I was engrossed in thoughts from Turkey to Penelope, I felt someone staring at me. I looked to the side seeing Vlad, his hand on his head to the side giving such a manly view. He confessed to me just a day ago and I am so shy to even look at him. I tore my gaze away from Vlad, my cheeks warming as memories of his confession flooded my mind. Just a day ago, he'd bared his heart to me, and the intensity of his words still echoed in my thoughts. The vulnerability he'd shown had caught me off guard, and now, every glance he sent my way made my heart flutter. Trying to distract myself, I focused on the luxurious surroundings of the jet. The cabin was a marvel of modern elegance—soft ambient lighting, polished wood panels, and the faint scent of leather and cologne. It was a surreal contrast to the turbulent emotions swirling inside me. As if sensing my need for a diversion, the flight attendant appeared, offering a tray of delicacies. "Would you care for something to eat, Miss Katrina?" she asked with a warm smile. "Thank you," I replied, taking a small plate of cheese and ham and a glass of sparkling Rose wine. I always loved the color and the taste of it.

I nibbled on the cheese and ham, the rich flavors a welcome distraction from the swirl of emotions inside me. The sparkling rosé wine was crisp and refreshing, its delicate bubbles tickling my tongue and providing a sense of calm. "Do you need anything else, Miss Katrina?" the flight attendant asked, her warm smile a comforting presence in the otherwise turbulent storm of my thoughts. "No, this is perfect. Thank you," I replied, returning her smile. "Do you like the wine?" Vlad caught my attention which was on my mouth watering delicacy. "Huh? Yeah I have always loved Rose wine!" I said replying back. He took the wine bottle on to his hands showing me. "It's from my homeland in Romania, do you know that?" I looked at the bottle in Vlad's hands, my curiosity piqued. "Really? I didn't know that," I replied, glancing at the label named Purcari. The elegant design and the unfamiliar Romanian script added a layer of mystery to the already exquisite taste. Vlad's eyes twinkled with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "Yes, it's a special vintage. My family used to own a vineyard many years ago. The Dracule family owned many. This wine is one of the few connections I still have to that past."

There was a vulnerability in his voice, a longing for something lost, that made my heart ache for him. I took a sip of the wine, savoring its taste and trying to imagine the vineyard Vlad had described.

"It sounds beautiful," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Vlad smiled, his eyes softening. "It was. A place of peace and tranquility. A place where I could escape the darkness."

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between us, broken only by the gentle hum of the jet. I found myself drawn to Vlad, his aura of mystery and vulnerability creating an irresistible pull. I wanted to reach out to him, to offer him comfort and support, but I hesitated.

"I wish I could have seen it," I said finally, breaking the silence.

Vlad's smile faded slightly. "Perhaps one day," he replied, his voice filled with a hint of wistfulness.

As our conversation continued, I learned more about Vlad's past, about the life he had once lived before the darkness consumed him. I listened intently, my heart aching for the man he had been and the man he was struggling to become.

Meanwhile, Alexander and Elena seemed to have fallen into a comfortable rhythm of their own, their voices a low murmur in the background. I glanced at them, a pang of loneliness shooting through me. I missed Penelope already.