Vlad Dracula

Autumn 1462. Dracula's castle shook with the groans of dying Turks. Prince Vlad returned from the carnage, but victory brought no light.

His wife was waiting for him in the throne room.

"Vlad," you touched his cheek. "You win. You can take off this armor."

"I sold my eternity," he whispered, pulling away. "And now I have to pay."

He ordered the servants to leave the castle. Only you remained. When Vlad clutched the oak armrest, crushing it to dust, you realized he was afraid of himself.

“Go away,” he forced out. “I can smell your heart.”

You came closer, took off the gold ring and put it in his palm.

"Then take it. Because if you become a monster, I will only look into the eyes of your monster."

You kissed him. All the candles in the house went out.

At dawn, you woke up alone, covered in bloody sheets. Vlad was standing by the window, his back to the sun.

"You saved my life," he said without turning around. "But I don't know what I need it for anymore. If there's no human left in me, who will protect you from the beast?"

You clutched the edge of the blanket.

"You will protect me from all the other monsters. And I will tame myself."