•Y/N: Your Name

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Your POV:
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It's been a few weeks now since I was chosen to be Dracula's new blood bag, and things haven't gotten any easier much to my dismay. I haven't convinced him to release me, but at least, now, he gives me space. The only times he appears is whenever he craves a drink from my veins, which thankfully, isn't as often as it was before. Most days, I spend in my room, but there are times where I feel restless and venture out into the maze-like halls of the castle, losing myself in the many rooms and corridors, searching for a way out and exploring what the place has to offer. There are ballrooms, hobby rooms and vacant bedrooms collecting dust.

On occasion, I find myself at Abigail's door and will go inside for a small chat. It is nice to have company that is not my predator, even if she isn't... all there. Unfortunately, our topics always end up on him. She speaks about Dracula like an obsession and always asks me to send him to her every time I leave. It makes me pity her.

I've told him this, but he always excused himself from doing so, saying he's too busy or that she'd die if he drank from her again. I understood his reasons, but seeing that disappointment on her face when I tell her this rips my heart out of my chest. Still, she happily waits. Is that to be my fate if I stay? I could feel my blood run cold from the thought. I'd hate that. The first chance I get at escaping, I'll take in a heartbeat. Dracula can pretend he's doing a kindness all he likes; that doesn't make it true.

The doors to the dining room release loud creaks that echo down the hallways as I open them, expecting to find my breakfast on the table, like usual. Lately, the vampire has insisted on preparing my breakfast and dinner to ensure I eat enough. He doesn't want me fainting or having a hard time with the draining, and eating more food certainly helps, though I'm sure I've gained a bit of weight from it. At least, he's a good cook. I freeze in the doorway, mouth open in shock when I find a black dog sitting in my usual seat.

The animal turns its head to me, panting and wagging its tail excitedly. Unable to believe it, I frantically rub my eyes, and when I look back at the chair, it's empty. Even more confused now, I furrow my brow and jump when something beside me barks. I take a step back in surprise and stare down at the dog, who looks up at me with a tilted head and their tongue out.

"Uh... Hi?" The animal seems to smile before licking its lips and nudging against me. I was hesitant, but gently pat their head.

'It seems friendly.' I hum and crouch down, running my hands down the silky, black fur covering their body. I can't help smiling as I rub their face and scratch behind their floppy ears, which they seem to enjoy. Now that I'm closer, I can see it's a male dog, but I find no collar to obtain his name. "Where'd you come from, huh?"

Obviously, the question was rhetorical. Perhaps, he belongs to Dracula? I haven't seen a dog around here before, although I do recall having heard howling from outside from time to time during the night. I always assumed it was just wolves, but maybe I was wrong? I giggle as the canine licks my face affectionately and gently push at his muzzle to get him to stop. He, then, takes my sleeve between his teeth before gently tugging me towards the door.

"Where are you taking me, silly boy?" I chuckle as I stand up and follow the dog's lead. We walk the winding halls and up to the third floor, stopping at a door there. It was a floor I haven't fully been through yet because Dracula seemed to always pop in before I could get through all the rooms. He'd always distract me from what I'm doing, which made me wonder if he was hiding something.

Guess I might find out today. I look down at the panting dog and ruffle the fur on his head, gaining a lick on my hand. I twist the handle and step inside, gasping in awe as I look around the enormous space. Towering, white shelves built into the cerulean walls are filled with animal books and reach up to the high ceiling, which depicts the image of birds of all sorts soaring in a sky of puffy, white clouds, spiraling towards the center. Empty, gold and silver birdcages hang from the ceiling, along with a massive, crystal chandeliers that hangs from the center of the mural.

Across is a wall of tall windows, covered by thick, white drapes, positioned between a pair of French doors that open out to a large balcony, allowing the fresh, morning air into the room. The light from outside hardly slipped into the room, however due to the position of the sun. Inside, there are padded, white chairs and a round table. Serving as its centerpiece is a glass vase holding a variety of white flowers with accents of green to add color to the large bouquet. Also, on the table, is a black case. Glass tanks stand upon smaller tables set up around the room, strategically placed to display, but they are as empty as the dangling cages. My feet travel across the white marble with designs of glimmering gold and blue, emitting light clicks from my black flats as I walk up to the center table.

"I take it you like the room?" I nearly gave a shout when a set of hands laid upon my shoulders, and my heart raced like crazy as I peer up at the smiling vampire behind me. I didn't expect him to be awake at this hour. "I was going to bring in some animals to fill the cages as well, but I was much too excited. I had to show you earlier."

"But, a dog was the one to..." I trail off, eyes drifting over to the doorway, but I see no animal sitting there. I look back at Dracula's wide, childlike grin and felt my stomach sink. Surely, not. "You were the dog, weren't you?"

"Mmm... Guilty." I slap a hand on my face, feeling the heat on my cheeks when I realize I had let him lick me, not once, but many times. I try not to be too hard on myself. He was a pretty convincing dog. Disgusted, I wipe myself with the end of my sleeve, making the Romanian laugh. I stop when he brushes away my hands to cup my face with his and give an unamused look.

"Did I impress you, my little blood bag," he says in a teasing way, causing me to roll my eyes as I take off his hands.

"Shut up." I have to turn away to collect myself and end up admiring the room again. "It does look nice, though. You weren't kidding when you said you'd go all out."

"Ah, you haven't had the chance to open your gift yet," he claims, walking past to pick up the black case on the table. Nimble fingers flick open the latch and open the box to reveal a pair of binoculars inside. The vampire, then, smiles brightly. "For birdwatching!" I was speechless, staring at the box before taking the binoculars with shaking hands. Holding them made me want to cry, for they reminded me of my brother's hobby. My lip quivers as Dracula lifts my chin to have me look at him. "The room is all yours to enjoy. I would watch with you, but birds are more of a morning animal."

"It's fine." I take a deep, unsteady breath and smile softly before wrapping my arms around him. Astonished, the bloodsucker stiffens as I hide against his chest, resisting the urge to cry. "Thank you." I could feel his arms come around me, and I imagine he smiled too.

"I am glad to have made you happy." Dracula pats my head, then parts to cover a yawn before rubbing his drowsy eyes. "You'll have to excuse me, Y/N. I have forced myself to stay awake for too long. I must rest."

"I understand," I simply say, not caring one way or the other if he stayed or not. He nods and heads for the door, but stops in the threshold to look back at me with a miniature grin.

"Enjoy the birds."

"Sleep well, Dracula." By a bit, his smile widens.

"Have a good morning, Y/N."