Light in the Dark (Young Dracula) 5

Ch. 3: Flesh and Blood

The Count read about vampires in the old country turning their castle into a vampire-themed hotel and he thought it was an amazing idea. In his words, "An endless supply of Breathers and the corpses never complain." So work was set in motion for the old classrooms to be turned into bedrooms and bathrooms and the whole school was refurbished as a Vampire-themed hotel.

"Where are you now Sally Giles?" Vlad said as he looked at her photo. He attempted to use his mind abilities to find her. He heard her in his mind. 

"Keys, keys. Where did I put them? George, have you seen the car keys? I can't be late for my sculpture class, I'm teaching them welding tonight. Oh, it's okay, I found the spare set."

Vlad found Sally's sculpting website and sent her an email asking her to build a sculpture for the grand opening of the hotel. He also offered a free weekend stay. Truthfully, it was his way of getting to meet her.

When Sally walked into the hotel she was seen by Anna at the front desk. "Thank you so much for coming. Let me get you signed in and then we'll meet with Vlad." Anna said. 

"Thank you. I love the theme in here. I already have ideas for my sculpture." Sally replied.

 "Wonderful. We would love it for our opening day." Anna said. 

"You haven't opened yet?" Sally asked. 

"No. You and George are first to see our work. We wished to have the piece before opening." Anna said. She found herself being quite good at making things up on the spot. 

"Wow, I feel quite honored." Sally replied and Anna smiled. Then she saw Vlad walk up from behind Sally. 

"There he is." She said and Sally turned around. Vlad almost froze when he saw her. 

"Vladimir?" She asked. 

"Call me Vlad." He said, recomposing himself. 

"I really like your hotel. The energy here is perfect for one of my pieces." Sally complimented. Vlad got lost looking at her. "Oh, have I got paint on my face? I'm always doing that. And getting bits of clay in my hair. Occupational hazard." She said. 

"No, it's okay. We were hoping you could design something for us here, at the bottom of the staircase." Vlad replied. Sally walked up to the stairs and she and Vlad switched places. Vlad leaned against the counter and Anna held his hand. He looked to her and saw an assuring smile on her face. He cracked a smile and then looked back to Sally. 

"What an inspiring space. It really needs to be a work that captures the decrepit beauty of the place. That smell of damp and decay is so authentic." Sally said. The Count hid in a corner and made snide remarks that Vlad could hear. 

"Have you been signed in? Is George parking the car?" Vlad asked and turned to Anna's books.

 "No, George can't drive yet." Sally chuckled and then George walked in. Anna's eyes widened and she nudged Vlad to turn around. "This is my daughter, Georgina." Sally introduced the little girl next to her. Vlad was shocked to hear that he had a little sister. 

"Mum." George whined. 

"Except I'm not allowed to call her that. George, this is Vlad." Sally said. 

"It's nice to meet you." He said, trying not to sound surprised, and shook her hand. 

"Vlad, great name. Very vampiric. What's your real name?" George asked.