The Final Bride of Dracula

Chapter Two

Alandra awoke, she was in an unfamiliar place. It was a dark room, a couple of candles let out a miniscule glow. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust. Against her will she felt her heart quicken, she couldn't help but feel fear. Fear that gripped around her heart and sat heavy in her stomach.

It was almost was impossible to miss the green gown she wore, and she certainly felt the over clenched corset. The realisation that someone undressed her without her knowledge...her stomach lurched once more.
She felt her head, for it still ached, and felt pins and broaches. Her hair was pulled in an elaborate updo worsening her headache. Damn Vampires.

Another sickening realisation, she was getting tired of these; her clothes, weapons, nor any of her belongings were in sight. She was defenseless against a vampire

Alandra caught a glimpse of something glinting gold in the corner of her eye.
She sharply turned her head to see a mask it was very elegantly designed, it was meant only to cover the wearer's eyes nothing more.

A note was laid beside it, scrawled in fancy script, Alandra picked it up to read.

My dearest Alandra,

I do sincerely hope the two, Larein and Alanne, haven't harmed you in any way. If they have I offer my sincerest apology. You must be wondering why you are here, and why you are dressed up. Well my dear, I will explain tonight.

One of the many servants will be coming to take you to the ball, where everything will soon become very, clear.

P.S. It's also a masquerade my love, which is why you have a mask.

No name was signed.
And who would be calling Alandra dear? Or My Love? Certainly no one she knew, she only knew rough and tough pirates. Creepy vampire.
Alandra shuttered and was soon startled by a voice.

"Hello, I am here to take you the ball Madame Valare. Please put on your mask, he wanted to make sure you did."

The person speaking is a young lady, she had her washed out blonde hair in a lose braid hanging down her back. Her dress was worn and old, hanging in tatters however it was remarkably clean.

Alandra smiled slightly and put the mask on her face. Two thin gold ribbons tied the mask so it would stay on her face. She felt her smile falter, she didn't want to be here. Not in the least.

"Why exactly am I here? " Alandra asked the young woman.

The young woman let out a slight smile. She could see the sharpened points of her teeth.

"I'm not allowed to say, but don't fret everything shall be fine," the overwhelming sincerity and calmness washed over her, and for a second, Alandra believed her.

Startled, rage burned behind Alandra's eyes.
How did she, the woman, control her own emotions? Those emotions were hers, someone couldn't just toy with them. It was sick.

Alandra put on a slight smile, more forced than the last.

" I suppose it will." Alandra spoke through gritted teeth.

The young woman led Alandra through a winding corridor of hallways and doors. Finally the young woman stopped, her quiet voice breaking the silence.

" For I am not allowed to go any further, but I do know you go through these doors and the ballroom is filled and he will be waiting."

Alandra turned to stare at her.

" How am I supposed to know who he is?" So maybe I could kill him later?

The young woman stifled a giggle. The back of her hand covering her mouth.

" You can say, he stands out in a crowd." And with that she pushed open the ballroom doors. The horrendously tall, wooden doors spilled open. It reveled a large amount of dancing people, all in masks and lovely suits and gowns, those only the wealthy could afford.

They all are vampires.

All the vampires turned to stare at her. Alandra's long emerald gown trailed behind her as she walked into the ballroom.

All eyes seemed to be on her.

A man, or rather vampire, walked up to her. His long blonde hair was slicked back into ponytail.

He bowed slightly.

" Hello my lady, care for a dance?" The man kissed her hand. Annoyed she yanked her hand back, however her repulsion went seemingly unnoticed as he dragged her onto the dance floor anyways

" I- what, no let me go-"

"My name is James. Yours my fair maiden?" James said with a wink.

Alandra frowned,

"None of your damn business-"

James snaked a hand around her waist, pulling her close.

" What a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman."
He looked into her mind. He looked into her mind.
"That I did Alandra Valare, apologies truly."

A low growl came from behind James. A man with long, shiny black hair and startling blue eyes came from behind James.James seemed to cower in the presence of this man.

" Lord Vladimir, I am truly sorry. I was unaware for the fact that she was spoken for by you." That overly confident man from just a few minutes ago faded away into a cowering puppy.

Vladimir let a snarl cross his face.

"What have I said about liars James? You knew very well, you did dare invade her mind. How extraordinarily rude of you." Vladimir picked up James by his throat holding him from the ground.

" Am I wrong?" Vladimir sneered.

" No, no sire." His voice was strained, causing mild confusion on Alandra's part, vampires didn't need to breathe, did they?

Vladimir dropped James who crumpled to the floor. Gasping for air and clawing at his throat.

Vladimir turned to Alandra, who stood watching the events unfold, with narrowed eyes and a scowl.

Vladimir bowed to Alandra.
" Forgive me, I have yet to formally introduce myself. I am Vladimir Dracula. But most know me as the infamous, Dracula."