Light in the Dark (Young Dracula) 5

Epilogue

"You know, I still can't believe I sold this dump." The Count said. 

"I still can't believe you're going to Australia." Ingrid said. 

"I've been given a get-out-of-jail-free card and I intend to use it. Where better to start than dining on the descendants of our convict cousins?" The Count replied. Then Anna and Vlad came in with Vlad's suitcases. "Ah, my son, are you all packed?" The Count asked. 

"I think he's taking half the house with the weight of these." Anna complained and set the cases down. 

"I still can't believe you're moving in with Breathers." Ingrid said. 

"Whatever will you do without me?" Vlad said sarcastically. 

"I can handle myself, thank you. Rach got me my place back on the High Council so I'm off to the old country. I can't wait to bite my first peasant." Ingrid said. 

"Or, you could stay here with me?" Pierce said, entering the room behind her. The Count tossed a set of keys to him. 

"You might want to redecorate first. It's all looking a little post-apocalyptic." The Count said and Ingrid walked up to Pierce. 

"You're the new owner?" She asked. 

"We are. Made quite a bit of money off that incredibly authentic vampire game. Thanks to you." Pierce replied. 

"What?" Ingrid asked. 

"You want fifty percent?" He said and placed the keys in her hand. 

"It's what I've always wanted, thank you!" She said with a smiled and hugged him. "A throne of my own." She said into his shoulder. 

"Good luck!" The Count said to the two of them. "He's gonna need it." He said quieter to Vlad.

 "Master Vlad, George and Sally are here." Renfield came in and said. 

"Well, I best be off. Look after yourself dad." Vlad said. 

"Don't I always?" The Count replied. "Vlad, come here." He pulled Vlad aside to talk privately. "You know I- I used to be.. embarrassed to call you my son. But now I'm ashamed I ever doubted you. Vladimir Dracula, you have made a very, very old vampire very, very proud. Promise me you will never forget where you come from." He said, holding his face gently. 

"I promise dad." Vlad replied and the two of them hugged each other tightly. When they let go they rejoined the rest of the room. 

"Renfield left with some of your bags." Anna informed Vlad and he nodded. 

"Do you think you'll ever come back?" Ingrid asked him. 

"I'll have to see how you all are holding up." He replied. 

"Don't knock during the day, I don't like to be woken up." Ingrid said lightly. 

"You got it sis." Vlad replied.

Vlad and Anna both walked out to the courtyard where the car was. Vlad stopped for a moment before stepping out and Anna looked behind because she had noticed. She offered her hand and he held it in his. 

He stepped out of the darkness and into the light with her by his side.