Light in the Dark (Young Dracula) 3

Ch. 10: The Return

Bertrand was practicing his sword skills in the training room, trying to keep his mind off of Vlad's disappearance. "You're getting sloppy." He heard a voice cut through his thoughts. He looked up and saw Vlad standing in front of him. More confident, snarky, dressed in leather and somehow lighter skin, it was apparent that Vlad was a full vampire and embracing his new self. 

"Vlad!" Bertrand spoke breathlessly in surprise and relief. "Where have you been?" He asked.

 "Not important. We've got a full night's work to do." Vlad replied, immediately getting to business. 

"Hold on. We should let the Count know you're back." Bertrand spoke. 

"Later. When I rule the vampire clans I'm gonna need an edge. I need to know the histories, the traditions, and most importantly the dark secrets." Vlad explained. 

"But the Predictum Impaver is blank. Without that wisdom, how are you going to lead them?" Bertrand asked. 

"My darker side's part of me now. My powers are honed and I'm ready to rule. I write my own destiny." Vlad explained and walked up to the book. 

"And how do you see that?" Bertrand asked. 

"Still think humans and vampires can live in harmony?" He asked and Vlad laughed. 

"Don't worry. I've seen the light." He replied, looking to Bertrand and then back to the book. This is where anyone who truly knows Vlad would see that this is all an act. Vlad must act the part that everyone else wants in order to get to where he wants.

Vlad and Bertrand were talking in the living room when they heard the Count shouting from the hall. "Renfield, where's my fang floss?!" He opens the door and was surprised to see Vlad. "You're back!" He held himself together and made advances towards his son. He gave Vlad a quick smile before turning to Bertrand. "Why wasn't I informed?" He asked. 

"We've been busy." Bertrand replied. 

"I've been worried." The Count brushed off Bertrand's comment and walked up to Vlad. "I'm sure if my heart wasn't as unforgiving as tempered steel, there'd be a tear in my eye." He said. 

"No need to worry, I'm fine." Vlad replied. 

"Tell me all about your adventures! I'll insist Renfield prepare something edible." The Count spoke excitedly. 

"Sorry dad, but I want to do some work with Bertrand before school." Vlad apologized. 

"Surely you're not going to bother with school." The Count found shocking. 

"It's important to keep up pretence." Vlad insisted. 

"Well let me help, what are you doing?" The Count begged for tune with his son. Vlad hesitated to tell him but sighed and replied. 

"We're studying vampire clans." He spoke. 

"Excellent! I could tell you some wonderful stories." The Count replied excitedly. 

"I don't want stories. I want facts. And Bertrand knows those." Vlad explained. The Count's expression hardened as he realized his son chose someone else over him and he looked to Bertrand with a murderous stare. 

"Right. I'll leave you to it then." The Count spoke and sped out of the room.

 When Vlad entered the school, Ingrid saw him and was struck with fear for a moment. She had to come back to herself and remind herself of her new and improved therapy helped self. Erin saw him as well and she immediately ran up to him and hugged him. "Vlad you're back!" She explained and he awkwardly hugged her back.