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24th of August, 1819

Tonight was abo-

As I stared pensively out the frontof the Golden Krone Hotel, awaiting the arrival ofbrandy that did little to soothe ht felt heavy inthe Count, I have never borne the brunt of his anger, and I did not anticipate enduring it now I had seen hiainst those who failed hi Now, I feared I would fall victi rolled slowly down the street, dark and stones I knew this could onlyThe Master had arrived I took a deep breath as looe up to the front entrance of the hotel

I set down my drink and hurried to the front door An ee door, and I anxiously followed hi a hand over my hair, I tried to steady my nerves and look presentable to the Count He is, after all, a very particular , the Count’s long, cruel hand slid out of the darkness within the carriage to beckon an to toss down heavy traveling bags

The Count sat co to his waist in curls Dressed i suit, he stroked his short beard thoughtfully as he regardedon his hand and took the seat across from him

"Master, it is good to see you"

"My dear friend, you seereen eyes stood out vividly in the darkness

I took a deep breath and quickly found I was unable to continue I was utterly terrified

"Come now Tell me What has happened? I can tell by your de as?"

"No, sir, no It is just that a matter has coland" I reached into my coat pocket and handed the Count the letter I had received froht

"What is this?" The Count took the letter, his long nails seeht Count Dracula opened the letter and read it with soan to treht I told you that no one was to know of the Wright’s visit to iven the letter the day they departed and she did not consult with e"

He frowned at me "You should have more control over your wife, ulped down a desperate breath of air "I should have told her to hand over all the letters to htly waved his hand at me "I advise you to make it clear to your beloved wife that you are her ain"

"Yes, sir I understand, sir I will make it quite plain to her upon my return home But, sir, I do not knohat to do I do not kno to respond to his letter" My words were rushed in a tre so afraid, but the Master always instills fear inbeneath hihed "I had confidence in you, Stephen It is such a shame you have failed me in this one simple request"

"I’m terribly sorry, sir More than I can ever say"

"Well, it is of no matter I think I shall be able to use this situation toPerhaps I shall be able to leave for England sooner than I expected" The Count se The night is young, and I wish to enjoy the pleasures of the city"

"Of course, sir!" I hurried climbed out "Shall we speak later, sir?"

"Yes Then we can discuss business" The Count fell back into the shadows of the carriage as the door shut

With a sharp order froe of Count Dracula rolled into the foggy night

Delighted by h of relief before rushing back into the hotel

Later, he arrived looking quite rosy of face, his eyes glinting with a keen fever, and I knew he had fed well We sat together in my hotel rooly cordial I sat at a s paper lightly with one finger

"You rite to Andrew Wright and inform him of the most unfortunate event that befell his family in route to e ept off the road into the river Only his sister, Glynis, survived, and she is into her medical needs"

I wrote down all that he instructed"You…you did make her…what you are?"

"Yes, I did"

"I do not understand…if she is a vampire, then why not say she is dead as well?"

"After a time, Glynis will recover, and I will marry her Or so her brother will think Then we shall enlist his aid in land" The Count smiled wolfishly "You see, it quite works out"

I could see, that yes, he was right

As I sink further into his deceit, I find that I am relieved that it is not me ill suffer at the hands of Count Dracula Tomorroe travel to Buda to set our plans in ust, 1819