Page 29 of Dracula: Bound in Blood

Vigo laughed. “No, I wish. I am a mere immortal servant, a creature that was once a mortal man who had fallen in love with a vampyre and abandoned to live out my mortal life. I searched for him, and my search led here to Castle Dracula. Like a fool, I begged to be turned, and when he refused, I behaved like a fool. His punishment was to make me his servant by feeding me his blood.”

Jonathan’s eyes widened.

“Don’t worry. It is not the same intimacy as what you share. In the early days, I had to lick it off the floor; now I drink from my own goblet.”

“Am I immortal?”

“No. Your blood has been replaced by his twice now. A third time, you may be changed into one of his Vampiric children. For me, I merely drink his blood to stave off aging. I’ve served for nearly two hundred years now, but I do age, and I can be killed like a mortal man, though it will take a lot for that to happen. I have the strength of ten men and can move as fast as a jaguar.”

“Why did he turn others? Did he…love them?”

“I can’t begin to understand his reasons entirely. Some have been quite fascinating and useful to him, and others were given the gift after striking a bargain. None have been the men he believed could be his lost love.”

Jonathan’s mind raced. He thought of London, of Lucy, of the life he had left behind. It all seemed so small now, so constrained.

“I... I can’t go back,” he said finally, his voice firm. “Not to London, not to that life. It would be a kind of death to deny everything I’ve learned and felt.”

Vigo’s face broke into a rare smile. “I believe you’ve made a wise choice, Master Harker. Though the path ahead will not be easy, I think you’ll find it infinitely more rewarding than the life you left behind.”

Jonathan nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. “I should write to Lucy, at least. Let her know I’m safe, even if I can’t explain everything.”

“A prudent decision,” Vigo agreed. “Though I would advise caution in what you reveal. The less she knows of the supernatural elements at play, the safer she will be.”

“Of course,” Jonathan said. He paused, then asked, “Vigo... what happens now? With the Count, I mean. After last night...”

Vigo’s expression turned serious once more. “That is between you and the Count. I won’t be able to get away with nearly the same as you. Convince him to let you stay. It won’t be that difficult. He has fed you his blood and, therefore, will be intensely focused on you.”

Jonathan felt a flutter in his stomach at Vigo’s words. “And... is that dangerous?”

“Not inherently,” Vigo replied. “But it will be intense. The Count’s emotions and desires are not like those of mortals. They burn with a ferocity that can be overwhelming. You must be prepared for that.”

Jonathan nodded, a mix of anticipation and apprehension coursing through him. “I understand. Or... I’ll try to, at least.”

As Vigo turned to leave, Jonathan called out, “Vigo? Thank you. For... for everything.”

The old servant paused, a knowing smile on his weathered face. “You’re welcome, Master Harker. And may I say... it will be a pleasure to continue to serve you.”

Chapter Twenty

Jonathan sat at the ornate writing desk in his chamber, his quill poised over a sheet of crisp parchment. He then tapped the edge to his lips, a habit he wanted to break before he began to write:

My dearest Lucy,

I hope this letter finds you well. I must apologize for the delay in my correspondence; my journey has taken unexpected turns that have consumed my time and attention.

Transylvania is a land of breathtaking beauty and dark mystery. The castle where I’ve been staying is a marvel of architecture. I wish you could see how breathtaking it is. Knowing you, you would lose yourself in his hedge maze drunk off of his old wine. Something I’ve found myself doing not toolong ago! My host, Count Dracula, is a man of remarkable character - cultured, intelligent, and possessed of an old-world charm that is utterly captivating.

I find myself changed by this experience in ways I could never have anticipated. The air here seems to breathe life into one’s very soul, awakening parts of myself I never knew existed. I’ve discovered a thirst for adventure, a yearning for knowledge that goes beyond the stuffy confines of our London society.

Lucy, I must confess that I’m uncertain when I shall return. My work here has expanded beyond its original scope, and I feel compelled to see it through to its conclusion. I hope you can forgive this extension of my absence.

Please give my regards to my partners at the firm. Tell them that all is well, and that I am making great strides in my professional endeavors.

Know that you are in my thoughts, even as I am caught up in the chaos of this extraordinary place.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Harker

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