After 100 years he felt it was time to return. Then Vlad threw a party at his castle, inviting all bourgeoisie and high offices. A controversy arose that spread throughout the region. Who was the individual who had inherited that cursed castle? Luckily, the strategy triumphed,

everyone agreed to its presentation.

     The day of his presentation has come; the castle reopened after a century, because of its mysterious disappearance. The first invited began to arrive, and after a while the rest of the list had attended their magnificent party. They arrived in their luxurious carriages, pushed by

purebred horses of different colors. Gradually Ladies and Gentlemen go out of their wagons, dressed in formalwear, especially for the occasion.

     They crossed the bridge that gave access to his castle and were greeted by the supposed red-uniformed servants of that time. When everyone was well settled in the palace hall, they could appreciate various types of Gothic furniture with a Renaissance twist until an employee announced that he would be descending down the red-lined stairs to the party, Count Vlad Dracul, nowadays, known as Count Dracula.

     Suddenly a mood of suspense arose, and everyone fell silent, expecting to meet the new owner of the castle. From afar no one could appreciate who he was and how he was, but with each step he took and as he advanced, his image was unfolding. He was tall, dressed in a dark

outfit, playing with his hat, and once in the hall, he introduced himself to each invited.

     Some young ladies appreciated his beauty, because he was tall, with long black hair, a pale skin color, black eyes, mustache, goatee, and good build, but the most commented was the charming look he had. As for the gentlemen, they wanted to know who he was, what he was

doing, and what he was dedicated to. According to the Count, he was the grandson of a bastard son of Vlad Tepes and came to take possession of his inheritance, engaged in trade and training warriors.

     Among all the nobles, one caught his attention, known as Dom. Marek Popescu, a robust but very elegant man in the way he dressed. During the conversation, he made a rather unpleasant comment, claiming that, although it had been over a century, his resemblance to the portrait of Vlad Tepes was very great, only differing in the way of cutting his mustache and beard and, in a satirical way, commented that he had inherited something more in common.

– What? – asked Dracula in a brave way

    Laughing pompously, he replied:

– To create warriors to serve you and follow in the footsteps of your ancestors.

     Vlad didn't answer, but in a quite elegantly manner he smiled and announced that the time had come for the ball and that he would play a song. He hoped everyone would enjoy the party.

     He approached the "Harpsichord" – Musical Instrument – very similar to the current piano, and played a beautiful song of the time. The night was long and funny, and everything went perfectly. The next day,his party was news all over Romania, and his reputation spread

throughout the villages. The plan was a success, and from now on Vlad would rise from the shadows, fulfilling the goals that were brought by Lucifer.

     On many occasions Dracula was invited to certain events taking place in the homes of the lords of high society to discuss political issues, among other matters of great economic and social interest. In most meetings, he could not be present because other purposes. He always sent Robert Gallus, a high-ranking vampire. He was pale, tall, with green eyes and fiery hair that always helped him keep up appearances. Of all his disciples he was the most faithful and a true friend, because he had several useful skills:

•The power to teleport – to move between two locations instantly, manifesting through waves, and taking others with him.

• Hypnosis – He obtain hypnotize people into making them do what he want. This gift all vampires have, mainly for food, seducing their victims.

• Molecular Deceleration – This power has the ability to slow molecules down until they stop in a temporal manner.

     One beautiful night of the full moon, when Vlad and his faithful friend went hunting, they found a group of people walking along a dark path, illuminated only by the glow of the moon, which gave access to a village. It was the perfect place, they were alone in the middle of the

mountain and no one would know who had attacked them. As they were about to execute what they had previously planned, a gust of air caused them to postpone the attack at that time, but that was long enough to notice that one of the group members had disappeared from the ensemble.

     It was a young woman who had distanced herself, who, because the sudden wind, lost her hat along the way, and when she returned a few steps to catch it as she raised her head, she saw them.

     In that brief moment, the beautiful young woman was out of action, but most disturbingly, Vlad didn't react either. His friend, realizing that something strange was happening he used his power to decelerate the molecule. He clenched his right fist, and with a simple twist, time

stopped instantly. It was enough to transport them to a place where the girl's eyes could not reach them.

     It all happened in a matter of seconds, but for the young woman it was in a matter of minutes. As time went on its natural course, they were no longer there, and her last memory was that there were two individuals in front of her eyes that she no longer saw. When she did not find them, she thought she was imagining things, but before returning to the path, she looked around and saw nothing, only the trees, but for her peace of mind she accelerated her pace until she reached her companions.

     On their return to the castle, Dracula commented with his friend that that girl was very reminiscent of his beloved, and that the fragrance she gave off was tempting. Robert told him that he had been living alone for more than a century, and that perhaps it was time to look for a company that would accept and love him for all eternity. With a wry laugh, he answered:

– Who will want to live next to a predatory monster?

– I believe all beings are destined to find their mate soul no matter how long they have to wait. The day will come when she will meet us.

– How romantic you are! Less badly that, despite being immortal, you never stopped dreaming.

     The next day, around three o'clock in the afternoon, a messenger, riding a piebald horse arrived at the Castle with a letter, informing him that a meeting was going to take place at Dom Popescu's house at the end of the week. In turn, Vlad confirmed his presence. As he said good-

bye to the messenger, he informed Robert that he would hunt and while he was absent he would be in charge. He also suggested not worry to that within two days he would return to such a meeting.

     After restoring his energy and quenching his bloodlust, Vlad returned and prepared to go to the meeting, putting on his black suit, which matched his hat, his burgundy linen shirt, which matched a tight coat called doublet. Once ready, he climbed into the carriage, which led

him to the Popescu’s family residence.

     When he arrived, he was greeted by the butler who accompanied him to the library where the other nobles were gathered. Their ladies and their children were in a separate room.

     Generally, Vlad did not try to pronounce much, always supported the majority and thus avoided mere conflicts, since his objective was to avoid simple arguments. He practically performed diabolical acts on a large scale. These events were like a hobby, and the best part of these meetings was when the employees interrupted them, because it was a boring to hear them.

     So after a long and long conversation, the door was opened. She was a young woman who looked to be in her thirties. In her hands she brought a silver tray with a bottle and several glasses. Little by little, she handed out her drink, and as she was about to serve Vlad, she

tripped over the carpet, dropping the whole tray on the floor. Vlad helped her to pick up the remnants of the broken glass, and when they looked at each other, she remembered that she had seen him before. He, in turn, recognized her, too, and it was a disquieting moment. In a shaky voice she thanked him and informed Mr Popescu that she would be back in a moment to finish what she was doing.

     After a while, he returned to pick up the other objects that had fallen. Excited by her presence, Dracula did not stop watching her, but the host of the house did not like the atmosphere surrounding them.

     After a long tiring night, the meeting ended. All the guests took their carriages or horses and returned to their homes, including Vlad. On the way he ordered to return to Popescu's house. He had a feeling he would meet the young woman again. Hidden among the trees, he waited for the employees to leave. It was not long before he saw the beautiful young woman, accompanied by several servants, walking out the door. A few meters away, Vlad approached the group, who were surprised by his presence, holding a conversation, Bold and with a suspicious look, the beautiful young woman approached, wondering if they had ever me before.

– I mean on another occasion? Reaffirmed she, looking into his eyes.

– Perhaps, implied he. I love walking the countryside and releasing my thoughts. Sometimes I go out with some friends to hunt. I hope I'm not being annoying?

– No, It is an honor to speak with you – said she with a charming smile.

– Let's stop formality, you can call me Vlad. What's your name?

– Ah! Forgive my indiscretion, my name is Yelena. Yelena Popovich.

– It's an honor to meet you. – He took her hand and kissed her. – If it's not too much trouble could I walk you home?

     When she accepted his company, the others were surprised and the group split up. Yelena led the way with Dracula and the others a few feet from them. Leaving her, before saying goodbye, Yelena commented that it was a pleasure to meet him. Surprised and delighted to hear this comment, Vlad returned the gesture with a seductive and irresistible look and took the opportunity to ask if they could meet another day.

     Yelena was astonished by the request. Before answering, she hesitated, as her thoughts were stunned, and several questions crossed her mind. One was: what did a nobleman want with a mere worker? What a dilemma! Her intriguing look made Vlad uneasy, but after thinking about the advantages and contrarieties, she decided to accept his invitation.

– Perfect, I encounter you tomorrow when you leave work?

– No. Meet me in the main square of the village, because tomorrow will be my rest.

– Splendid, at one o'clock in the afternoon, okay?

– Yes, I’ll be there.

     With a kiss on her hand, Vlad dismissed. As soon as she closed the rustic door of the house, he disappeared through a haze.