Dracula's Groom

CHAPTER THREE: Final Destination

Oh, my God, that's the longest flight I've ever been on in my life! Twenty-three hours of sitting in a packed plane listening to crying babies, a man snoring, and a couple of kids giving their parents the run-around all the while I'm trying to hold on to what's left of my sanity. I can't tell you how happy I was when the plane finally landed at the airport. I think I actually kissed the pilot on my way out after collecting my only piece of luggage.

Passing through the necessary security checkpoints was the easy part. But it was finding my way out that was the hardest. I kindly stopped a woman in a business suit to ask for directions as she pointed up to the signs in front of us. After forcing myself to remember what she said, I walked off and prayed like hell that it worked. Relief washed over me when I rounded the corner and saw the automatic doors opening and closing to the outside world.

Standing underneath the international arrival sign, I flagged down a taxi and slid into the back as the driver drove off into town. Beauitful. Absolutely breathtaking. I never thought in a million years, I'd see this part of the world ever again. The Carpathian Mountains bordered the east and south areas of the region until coming full circle with the Apuseni Mountains. Between the lushes landscapes, medieval towns, and castles. Transylvania sure was a sight to behold.

Rumbling cobblestones rattled the wheels as I stared at the window and looked up at the many buildings standing so close to one another. To my left, I could see a small farmers market where all the citizens socialized and talked about the latest news around town. Suddenly the car stopped as the driver looked at me from the rearview mirror.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Not at all. I just need to know where I'm taking you."

"Oh. I'm going to castle Dracula."

His eyes widened. "No. Nope. I must ask you to get out of my car."

"What? Why?"

His accent rolled off his tongue in waves. It was almost impossible to make out what he said. "If you are wise. You will leave this place and never look back."

"I'm afraid I can't do that. My great-great aunt left me that castle in accordance with her will."

"You are Lady Agnus's nephew? I can see the resemblance quite clearly. You have her eyes."

"You knew my aunt?"

"But of course. She was known for holding lavish parties and dressing in Victorian era dresses. She really was one of a kind."

"Thank you. But I still don't understand why you can't take me to Castle Dracula?"

"Because it is cursed. Have you not heard the stories?"

"Cursed? That's ridiculous."

"It's true. Legend tells of a man who long ago lost his lover in a deadly accident. Filled with anger, he swore he'd never love again as long as he lived until one night, an elderly woman appeared in hopes of finding shelter from the storm. But still grieving over the loss of his dearly beloved, he locked her out and was cursed that very same night. She turned him into a creature that would burn at the slightest touch of sunlight. While his thirst for human blood would be unquenchable."

"Wait a minute. Are you saying she turned him into a vampire?"

"Correct."

"What's his name, this vampire? Wait! Don't tell me. Let me guess. Is it Vlad?"