User blog:Akasha1908/Cursed: Part 1

Dracula sat in his throne, completely still. His black eyes staring vacantly at the massive doors in front of him, waiting…

His enemies were coming; others like him who’d objected to him taking a human as his bride. He’d revealed the secret of his immortality to his beloved, Sophia, and in turn betrayed his own kind. But he was in love, consequences be damned.

Perhaps Dracula and his bride could have lived in peace, their union fading into the obscurity of time, but it was not to be, for the unthinkable had occurred. His beautiful wife had borne him a child. A daughter they’d named Eve. She was as beautiful as her mother and perfect in every way, except for the fact she was neither human nor vampire.

Word of the child’s birth had spread, and those who’d held their tongues when he’d taken Sophia, now stood open opposition against him. They were coming, and they had but one goal in mind; slaughtering his wife and child.

And so he waits, preparing his mind and body for the battle ahead. He would be outnumbered, and with his allies scattered, he would be forced to fight alone. As the thought settled in his mind. A massive raven flew into the window. It cawed once, then transformed. Nicolai bowed to Dracula, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Nicolai was 18 years old when was turned, and had lived a mere 50 years as a vampire. He was reckless and carefree, but immortality suited him in a way that Dracula envied.

“Master.”   Nicolai said. “Dmitri approaches from the North. He will be here within the hour.”

Dracula nodded in reply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Is that it?”   Nicolai asked sharply. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were going to let him kill you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula’s head snapped forward, his eyes narrowing on Nicolai. The boy stumbled back, then drop to one knee in acquiescence. “Forgive me, Master. I meant no disrespect.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula closed his eyes, then turned away from Nicolai again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What are you orders, Master?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Leave.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Nicolai jumped to his feet. “I will not leave you to fight alone! I will help you protect what is most dear to you. If necessary, I will give up my immortal life for them, for they are as precious to me as they are to you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I said leave, boy?”   Dracula tried to keep his voice calm. Nicolai was his most loyal servant and he did not wish to part on bad terms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then will I be taking your wife and daughter with me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You can try.”   Dracula replied. “But Sophia will not go.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then at least let me take Eve to safety!”   Nicolai protested.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula laughed humorlessly. “You’ll never be able to pry Eve from her mother’s arms.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Master, please! You cannot protect them alone. If they do not leave now, then they will die with you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula flew from his seat, grabbing Nicolai’s shirt and pulling him close.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You think me weak, boy?”   Dracula whispered in a deadly tone. “I have lived centuries longer than you, longer than any of our kind with the exception of the progenitor. I have powers you couldn’t even begin to comprehend. I know how protect what is mine.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He tossed Nicolai across the room as if he weighed nothing at all, then returned to his throne before Nicolai’s body hit the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The boy climbed to his feet, eyeing Dracula warily. “At least let me stay with you until they arrive.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula glanced up at Nicolai. He didn’t agree with the request, but he did not disagree either. Taking his silence as approval, Nicolai made this way to the throne and took up a seat on the dais next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Both men sat still, unmoving. Waiting…

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">***

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sophia placed her daughter in the basket next to her, tucking a white knit blanket around the rosy cheeked baby. She wanted to weep, her sorrow too much to bear, but with her husband’s enemies approaching, she had no time for tears.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sophia had gathered every candle in the castle she could find, placing them throughout her bed chamber. Moving from candle to candle, she lit each one, whispering a prayer of forgiveness for what she was about to do.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              When they were all lit, Sophia placed a soft kissed on her baby girl’s cheek, then moved to stand in the center of them pentagram she’d drawn on the floor. She knelt, tucking the length of her dress underneath her. She picked up the knife next to the small bowl in front of her, and sliced open her palm. She cut deep, letting the blood flow freely into the bowl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When there was enough, Sophia cupped her bloody hand with the other, and placed both in her lap. It was her first time summoning a demon, and the only guidance she had on the subject was from the old town apothecary, Hestia. She chanted the words of the incantation the old woman had given her, repeating it over and over as she’d been instructed. Nothing happened for several moments, but then the blood in the bowl caught fire, causing Sophia to jump.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, now, little one. No need to be frightened.”   The voice came from the darkest corner of the room where the candlelight could not reach.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“W-who’s there?”   Sophia asked in a hushed voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You ask who I am when it’s you who summoned me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then you are him? Mephistopheles?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The demon stepped into the candlelight, a sinister smile on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The one and only.”   He answered, removing his blood red top hat and bowing dramatically.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Part of me didn’t believe you would come.”   Sophia whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Mephistopheles replaced the hat on his head, brushing back the large white feather sticking out from the brim. Though he never stopped smiling, the expression didn’t quite reach his eyes. It was unnerving.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“How could I resist the call of your blood?”   He replied sweetly. “The incantation was a bit off, but that’s forgivable. Especially when the summoner is so very beautiful.”   The demon gently caressed her cheek, taking care not to slice her porcelain skin with his claws.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I need your help.”   Sophia said in a rush, pulling back from his grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I did not come here to ‘help’ you.”   His smiled faded as he continued to speak. “I came because I believed you wished to make a deal.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I do!”   Sophia replied quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And do you know the price?”   He asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   She whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">His smiled returned, and this time it was genuine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then let us make our pact.”   He said, his eyes locking with hers. “Your soul, for…?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“My daughter’s safety.”   Sophia replied. “I need you to take her somewhere she can never be found by the vampire Dmitri. He believes my baby is an abomination, and he will stop at nothing to kill her!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Is that all?”   Mephistopheles asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes. I just want her to grow up safe and happy and surrounded by love. I want her to be kept hidden from Dmitri for all eternity, and to never know the horrors the darkness holds.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“As you wish.”   The demon replied with a formal bow. “I will take your daughter to safety; a place where Dmitri will never be able to find her. She will grow up happy and healthy, you have my word.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you.”   She replied, her eyes brimming with tears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is not your ‘thank you’ I want.”   Mephistopheles replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course.”   Sophia said, stepping towards him. “You may take your payment.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Mephistopheles leaned down towards her, his eyes examining every flawless angle of her delicate face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You are exquisite.”   He whispered against her lips. “I see why Dracula worships you so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He kissed her, gently at first, savoring the taste of her succulent lips. She stiffened in his arms, but he knew she would soon relax. They always did. Taking a human soul could be painful or extremely pleasurable, depending on how the demon chose to extract it. When dealing with a beautiful woman, Mephistopheles preferred to take his time; make the taking as enjoyable as possible for both parties involved. Unfortunately, his time was running out. Dracula was approaching.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He deepened the kiss, coaxing her soul from her body and into his own. Despite being touched by the evil around her, Sophia’s soul remained pure and unsullied. In short, she was delicious. When he was done, he let her lifeless body slip from his arms and onto the floor. He stepped over her and towards the basket on the floor. The baby was fast asleep, completely unaware of the sacrifice her mother had just made to ensure her safety. Such a beautiful baby, just like mother…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> ***

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">            Dracula knew the moment the demon entered his castle. The evil it brought with it made the air heavy and thick. Nicolai was already on his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master, do you feel that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Dracula said nothing; he simply stood and walked to the doors. They opened on their own and Dracula stepped through, taking a minute to pinpoint the source of the evil. It was difficult. Whatever demon had arrived in his home was extremely powerful; it’s evil saturating nearly every corner of the castle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Do you think this is Dmitri’s doing, Master?”   Nicolai asked as he followed closely behind him. “I find it hard to believe he would make a deal with a demon, and then send it after you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Dracula held up his hand, and Nicolai stopped speaking immediately. Twice they turned down the wrong corridor, but when they finally made it to the source, Dracula was overwhelmed by an emotion he hadn’t felt in centuries; fear. The evil was coming from within his wife’s bedchambers. Dracula burst into the room, the sight nearly bringing him to his knees.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No.”   Dracula whispered, stumbling to where his dead wife lay.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Who are you?!”   Nicolai shouted at Mephistopheles, preparing to attack.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Nothing more than a simple broker of souls.”   The demon replied. “And now that the price has been paid, I’m afraid I must take my leave. I have delivery to make.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The soft cry from the basket brought Dracula to his feet. He slowly approached the demon, letting his rage build with every step.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Put my daughter down and return my wife’s soul to her body.”   Dracula commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The demon sighed heavily. “You know I can’t do that, vampire. It would require another deal to be struck, and since you have no soul, you cannot pay the price.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Mephistopheles smiled, bowed, then disappeared from the room, baby Eve in tow...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">