Dracula's Secret Keeper [Part Six]

March turned into April, and the snows around the castle borders melted. Despite the fact that they were in a valley between the mountains, Ileana noted that spring came here as much as it did everywhere else. Naturally, the chill didn't leave the air, and even as May rolled in, one still needed a cloak or jacket of some sort of they wanted to go outside. As far as the invention was going, it was coming along. With the arrival of the body parts, it was established that Ileana did not have the stomach to deal with it all at once, and she would be given bits and pieces to study, while working on more detailed sketchings and designs for the creation. It was a bit of a let down, because that meant she was spending more and more time outside of the lab, but her stomach simply couldn't take all that dead flesh at the same time. Her uncle had lost his patience with her when it came to the body parts, Igor had no opinion on the matter, though she found the Count very supportive of her decision to stay outside. In fact, the Count was behind her on a lot of decisions she would make lately, and although she found herself flattered by the sudden ally, she couldn't help but remain a tad suspicious.

His behaviour toward her had grown less formal over the passing months, and as winter turned into spring, he became less of an authoritative figure around the castle and more of a companion. The man brought her books back from his travels, silks from the market, and precious stones whenever traders made their way into the village. It seemed that he enjoyed doting on her, and because of that, the woman had not gone back to the village for some time. Because of her obedience, he gave her and her uncle permission to explore the forest surrounding the castle, past the river, if they wished to do so. Ileana took that as a chance to get out of the castle and off the limiting grounds. She took long walks when the sun was out, which was rare in this region it seemed, though she was always back inside before nightfall. Strange things happened at night. Things she couldn't quite put her finger on, but things that were dangerous and frightening. For that reason alone Ileana sometimes refused to leave her bed; the howls and cries from the surrounding forest were enough to keep most people indoors.

It was one of those days that Ileana wanted to take advantage of. Igor and her uncle had done another grave run last night - apparently there wasn't enough skin to cover the mechanical legs that they had fashioned in the past months - which meant Ileana basically had free time. The Count stated he would be in later that afternoon to watch the progress that the men were making, while Ileana was free to do as she pleased. Taking that, she opted to go for a walk around the river's edge, though on the opposite side of the bridge. It was a good hour's walk to make a round trip, and that was if she was walking fast, so by the time she did a full circle of the "moat", the Count would be home, and she would have someone to talk to before dinner.

Clad in a green dress, one that had a gold belt fitted around the waist and tight cuffs around the wrists, Ileana set out across the bridge casually, wrapping a thick shawl around her slim shoulders to keep out the chill in the air. There was no breeze that afternoon, though the sun would occasionally poke its head out between the clouds, which meant there had to be wind somewhere up there. Mercifully not around her... Small mercies to keep her warm were always helpful. Her brown hair had grown quite long since she came to the Count's castle, and it was nearly down to her hips now. It was getting quite irritating, really, and she couldn't wait for the Count to bring in the barber he had promised her some time ago to cut it. Naturally, the woman was more than capable of doing it herself, but she felt like a barber could do a better job. Besides, how often did one have the chance for a professional to cut one's hair? No often! It was best to take advantage of such things. Small brown shoes cupped her feet, and as she stepped onto the hard earth that was no longer considered the castle's property, she couldn't help but feel like something was afoot. The forest was very quiet. There were no birds, only the sound of the river's current moving beneath the bridge a good distance away.

Frowning, she stared at the silent trees for a moment or so, then rewrapped her shawl around her shoulders before carrying on. Her feet took the usual path, one that she had walked many times before since the snow melted some time ago. The grass was a pleasant change from the white barren surroundings that she had gotten used to, but what made her even happier was the occasional flower that could be seen struggling for survival against the cool temperatures. As she walked, Ileana darted in and out of the tree line, stopping here and there to study a plant that looked interesting or new to her. The Count had purchased her a book some time ago about natural herbs and remedies and encouraged her to study it. Since then, her eye had a tendency to go toward wild plants and her mind would try to recall what its uses were. Alas, the scientific student could never be taken out of her.

She couldn't have been more than thirty minutes into her walk when everything went silent. The river even seemed to cease movement below her, and the woman let out a terrified gasp when she heard a growl behind her. Turning around sharply, she noted that she had earned the interest of a lone wolf. It was graying around the snout, which was a contrast to the black fur that covered the rest of its body. Swallowing thickly, Ileana glanced side to side, wondering how on Earth she was going to get out of this. If she ran, the beast was sure to chase her and quickly catch her. If she simply stood there, she left it up to it to decide her fate. It took a step toward her suddenly, causing her to take one back toward the edge of the cliff. If she went too far, she'd tumble into the river. Ever mindful of that frightening reality, Ileana looked over her shoulder for the shortest of moments to see where she was.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out in the air, and the wolf went scampering back into the forest, leaving her alone once again. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest, and the fear of the animal soon changed to the fear of whoever owned the gun. To be honest, humans were just a little more frightening. There was a rustle in the bushes nearby, and then some shouts, and Ileana turned on her heel, ready to run back to the castle as quickly as her legs could carry her.

"Wait!"

She paused, the sound of that voice oddly familiar, and she turned back to see Prince Velkan, who she had met in the village many months ago it seemed, pushing out through the trees, rifle in hand, "Ileana, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Oh, I thought you were someone a little more frightening," she replied hesitantly, her mind reminding her about how the Count felt for Velkan Valerious. "What are you doing out here?"

"The same can be said for you," he chuckled, stepping out completely for her to get a good look at him. His hair was longer, shaggier now than it had been when they first met, and he had a bit of stubble growing around his strong chin. "We're out hunting wolves... I noticed you found one of your own, so I thought I ought to get rid of it for you."

"How very kind of you, sir," she mused, eying him up and down for a moment, "but why didn't you just shoot it?"

He paused and glanced back into the still woods, "I'm afraid that isn't the type of wolf we are after... No sense in killing it."

"Not many would say that," she commented, "I hear they are a nuisance."

"There are worse things in the forest than common wolves," Velkan muttered as someone called his name from the trees. They urged him to carry on, stating that the tracks led east, back toward the village. "I will walk Ileana home... Carry on, I'll find you!"

"Oh, that isn't necessary-"

"The forest isn't safe to walk alone in-"

"But you're going to walk it..."

She wasn't completely sure why she was so brazen with him, especially when the Count disliked him so, but she couldn't help it. He was close to her age, maybe a few years older, and it felt so nice to see him again. Ever chance she saw him, Velkan represented that little touch of freedom and change she felt that she lacked when she worked in the castle.

"Ah, but I know the forest," he mused, taking a step closer. "I grew up here."

"And I've been walking around for a bit... I think I know my way if I stick to the banks."

"Come along, Ileana Frankenstein," he laughed, nodding back toward the way she came in an effort to make her follow. "The woods are dangerous with all the wolves... They're hungry after our long winters."

That was all she needed to hear. In a moment she was at his side, occasionally glancing over her shoulder to see if they were being followed by another visitor. When she was quite sure that they weren't being tracked by anything, she took a moment to study her new companion. She wasn't completely sure why the Count hated him and his family. After all, he was such a decent, well-spoken and polite man. Perhaps it was over something stupid... They were both Romanian noblemen, so maybe it was a land dispute? Wouldn't be the first time people bickered over something as petty as that. He suddenly caught her staring at him, then grinned, "Am I really that interesting?"

A blush crept to her cheeks at the thought of being caught, and Ileana hastily looked away, "I... No. I was just thinking."

"Oh. So I'm not interesting?"

"I-I wouldn't know," she stammered, quickly returning her gaze to him in a worry that she had offended him somehow. However, the man looked far from upset with what could be a rude comment, and she carried on, "I was wondering why you and the Count don't get along, actually."

The pleased expression on his face fell for a moment, and she pondered whether or not she had touched on something that was too sensitive a topic. Nibbling on her lower lip, she geared up to apologize for even mentioning it, but he cut her off before she could get the words out of her mouth.

"We've never gotten along," he said simply with a shrug of his shoulders, his voice strained. "My family has hated him for a very, very, very long time."

"But why?"

"He... He insulted us," Velkan responded slowly, as though searching for the appropriate wording. "He believes that we betrayed him, but our family thinks that he has hurt us... The heart of the issue is, no one really remembers anymore. Well, my father does. We do. We know we have to ... get him away from our land."

"But why?"

She couldn't understand what had been so terrible. The Count seemed like such a decent fellow now that she had gotten to know him. This Velkan character, despite her comfort with him, she had only met once before, and although grateful for his friendship, she wasn't particularly sure how she felt about him insulting the Count. Was he insulting him? Ileana didn't want the Count leaving, that was for sure.

"Well if it is forgotten by some, why do you all dwell on it?" she asked as they closed in on the rickety bridge, "Can't it be worked out somehow?"

"I'm afraid not," he sighed when they came to a sudden stop. "It'll end in blood... So the stories go, anyway."

"That's a shame," Ileana remarked skeptically, an eyebrow raised. "I thought we had moved past those types of stories."

"Not here... Definitely not here," the Romanian concluded, shooting her a wry grin. "I don't mean to depress you, Ileana. Don't think about it."

"It's hard not to."

He nodded, "Perhaps it would be best not to tell him we talked... I know he has a temper."

The woman shifted from foot to foot, knowing his sentiments to be absolutely true, "I suppose... It was nice to see you again, Velkan, really. It can get so lonely here sometimes."

"You can see me anytime," he murmured cheekily. "Anytime you can get away, that is."

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Now, to say Dracula was a jealous man would be oddly correct. He hated when his brides went hunting for men because he knew how they would seduce them. The idea of someone taking away what belonged to him, rightfully and truly, sent his temper aflame, and all he could think about were ways in which he could punish the wrongdoer.

So when he spotted Velkan Valerious, once again, walking with Ileana, he couldn't stop his mind from going to all horrible things he could do to the boy. Didn't the lad remember what he had told them when he first met Ileana? Did he care?

The vampire had come home early that day, avoiding the sun with skill attained over years and years of being what he was, and he had planned to have some "bonding" time with Ileana. Honestly, the girl was like putty in his hands now. With months of careful flattery he had managed to tone down her argumentative nature, all the while being able to use her to control her uncle. It was a system that worked, if he was being perfectly honest. He knew she liked to take long strolls around the grounds, so his plan was to meet her somewhere far away from the castle, let them bond over walking - "You take long walks? So do I! Oh, what a coincidence! Let's walk together!" - and maybe he could put the final nail in and give her a quick kiss, just to really sent her mind into a spiral. Hopefully she would be so befuddled with her feelings for him - he knew she fancied him, her heart always beat faster when he was around, and the blood was constantly pooling in her cheeks - then he could get her out of the laboratory completely, and then work Victor the way he desired. If she had no input on the Creation, then she wouldn't care how it was used in the end.

That was his overall goal, anyway. However, that was constantly being thwarted when Velkan Valerious popped back into her life. He made her heart beat too, and it bothered the esteemed Count to no end. And so, he had followed in the shadows as Velkan offered to take Ileana back to the castle, listening in silence to the conversation that followed. He was a smarter boy than the Count gave him credit for, since he knew better than to spill Dracula's one secret to a girl that was just begging for it. Instead, he skirted around the issue, and Dracula assumed that it was going to be up to him personally to let Ileana know what he truly was. If he ever decided to do so, that is. Why bother spilling such a secret? Where would it get you? No where.

The vampire remained perched on a low branch on a nearby tree, cocking his head to the side as Velkan bid Ileana a fond farewell. What was he getting at? The young mortal prince would, no doubt, use her, just as Dracula was using her, to better himself and his family in this never-ending war. It dawned on Dracula that with that information in mind, he could turn Ileana completely against the mortal, if he chose to do so. For now, he would simply continue to make her desire him. Flirt. Bring her gifts. Occasionally stroke her hair, her arm, something. It was working, for now.

Crouched down low, knees bent, his arms hung loose between them as Velkan strode back toward the treeline, rifle over his shoulder and a curious expression on his face. It was one that Dracula couldn't read at the present time, but the boy's heart was jumping. His lip twitched irritably, and he leapt to a nearby tree, following the boy into the forest with all the speed and skill that had been given to him since rebirth. Suddenly, the boy stopped. His heart rate thudded noisily in the Count's ears. His breathing stilled. Perhaps it was time to make himself known, though he was sure the young Valerious sensed a presence with him in the trees. Sliding down gracefully from the branch, Dracula landed soundlessly behind Velkan, "What are you doing with her, Velkan?"

The boy whipped around, and in impressive speed fired off a round into Dracula's chest, the gunshot echoing in the once still forest. Some birds twittered off from a nearby tree, and Dracula glanced down at the gaping hole in his chest. Frowning, he picked out the silver bullet and tossed it aside, a bored expression on his face, "Really?"

"Instinct and habit, Count," Velkan mused, the gun still held at the ready to fire once more. It wasn't as though it would cause the vampire any harm, but it was... a nuisance, to say the least. Dracula cocked an eyebrow, "Do I need to repeat my question?"

"I'm going to take her away from you," Velkan spat. "Her and her uncle. I know they are making something for you, Count-"

"What a clever boy."

"And I won't let it happen!"

Humans and their misguided sense of right and wrong. The Count rolled his eyes, then took a step forward, which Velkan countered with a quick one back, "They are my guests... They are studying science."

"We've had a lot of grave robberies lately," Velkan snapped, glaring at the vampire. "Don't tell me it's for science, Count."

"Grave robbery?" the vampire repeated, eyebrows shooting up, "Don't be ridiculous... It must be one of your peasants. My people are good people. Poor Ileana gets faint at the sight of blood."

"Guess she won't be hanging around for one of your dinners then," the mortal chuckled, his finger tightening on the trigger of his rifle momentarily, then relaxing. "Let them go."

Dracula grinned at him lazily, "No. Besides, Ileana likes my company... I make her heart race. It's endearing, really."

"You're twisted, Count," the man spat, the rifle up again. "Aren't three of our countrywomen enough for you?"

"What makes you think I return the feelings?"

"I know you wouldn't... A dead heart has no feelings."

Dracula snorted, "Too right you are, young prince. But this conversation bores me. I will warn you one last time to stay away from her and the castle grounds. The next time I find you here, I'll kill you. Then there will be one less Valerious to save you all from Purgatory."

A gunshot rang out in the forest once more, only to be accompanied by a bout of sadistic laughter.