Letters From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

A box of old letters is found in a long abandoned house, containing a story that won’t sound so unfamiliar. [tw: unreality] The story of Dracula retold through letters from the count to his dearest friend, you! 🦇Inspired by Dracula Daily🦇

[letters-from-dracula]

Take a letter from the box?

(Directory live updates as letters are posted. A * indicates further notes were added)

May:

Log Entry-2026-05-01: Audio transcript of my interview with Abraham about a box of mysterious letters he found. Contents of the letters can be found below as they are catalogued.

May 5, 1890-“Entertaining solicitors is not my usual pastime” (Based on Jonathan Harker’s May 5 diary entry) *

May 7, 1890-“He has grown accustom to the walls in which I currently call home” (Follow up to the May 5th letter with a focus on the May 7th entry) *

May 8, 1890- “I find myself wondering if there is an off putting quality to me that lives even in furtive thoughts of yours” (Based off Jonathan’s May 8th entry) *

May 12th, 1890- “My fingers ran over the stone that they soon never will. “ (Based off Jonathan’s May 12th entry)

Log Entry-2026-05-14: I have begun further research on the solicitors Jonathan Harker and Peter Hawkins.

May 15, 1890- “It is easy gazing down from the opening of my window at the small humans below to see how serene here can truly be. .” (Based off Jonathan’s May 15th entry)

May 16, 1890- “Truly, I do not understand how you could care for a lick of their unruly company when you are here.” (Based on Jonathan’s May 16th entry) *

May 17th, 1890: “Have I not fed him my finest meals, crafted by my hands with most particular care?” (Prelude to Jonathan’s May 18th entry) *

May 18th, 1890: “Rest assured however, there's no need to trouble your thoughts with woes of Jonathan much longer.” (Based on Jonathan’s May 18th entry)

May 19, 1890: “Paperwork to ensure my move has been a tortuous task in the wake of Jonathan’s lack of consciousness I bemoan even writing about.” (Based off Jonathan’s May 19th entry)*

Log Entry 2026-05-25: An odd phone conversation with Abraham regarding the letters

May 26, 1890: Creation and destruction felt apt at my finger tips as I could not help but hum along.” (Happy Dracula Day!)*

May 28, 1890: “What a waste of my perfectly fine parchment, on the other hand.” (Based off Jonathan’s May 28th entry)

May 31, 1890: “Empty are most of the halls of my soon to be once home, save for the solicitor and ladies residing inside” (Based off Jonathan’s May 31st entry)

June:

Log Entry 2026-06-05: There’s something about these letters…

June 17, 1890: “It is with great, vain effort that I have been tending to him so that he may be well enough for what the future holds for him soon.”

[Letters to resume soon]

If you have any further information regarding information or figures in this letters please contact the Lead Researcher.

[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

June 17, 1890 Letter:

Dearest friend,

To-day the castle was alive in a way I have not seen in a long while! Early in the morning a thunderous trampling of horse hoofs clapped upon the path to enter my territory, carrying the temporary workers with them. I wrote to them a letter of what they were to do in advance, which allowed me to leave them alone to carry out their duties. The hours of belonging to the waking world have grown increasingly brief with all that has been going on, so not having to instruct them allowed me the temporary lapse of rest.

They told me that Jonathan had rushed up to the window, and my mind could not help but conjure him in the image of an excited hound. It is almost charming how Jonathan seems to find joy in the idea of visitors, if he did not try to get them to join in on his wretched delusions. After the letter incident, I told them to leave Jonathan alone too so he may rest as well. It is with great, vain effort that I have been tending to him so that he may be well enough for what the future holds for him soon.

The workers moved my boxes for me out into the corner of the yard to make future transport much easier. Few boxes remain empty, awaiting their future belongings, which makes their presence in the yard a pitiful sight. I am nearly done with my packing, which has kept me from writing to you in the meantime. My time has been also spent restudying the English Bradshaw's Guide for train routes and making sure the mapping of my future travels is as ironclad as an army’s victory. The only thing currently arranged is my decision to travel by the vessel, The Demeter, for ease. I will be leaving these hollowed halls at the end of the month. Please plan your letters accordingly so the wrong eyes do not gaze upon your precious words.

Your friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

June 17, 1890 Letter:

Dearest friend,

To-day the castle was alive in a way I have not seen in a long while! Early in the morning a thunderous trampling of horse hoofs clapped upon the path to enter my territory, carrying the temporary workers with them. I wrote to them a letter of what they were to do in advance, which allowed me to leave them alone to carry out their duties. The hours of belonging to the waking world have grown increasingly brief with all that has been going on, so not having to instruct them allowed me the temporary lapse of rest.

They told me that Jonathan had rushed up to the window, and my mind could not help but conjure him in the image of an excited hound. It is almost charming how Jonathan seems to find joy in the idea of visitors, if he did not try to get them to join in on his wretched delusions. After the letter incident, I told them to leave Jonathan alone too so he may rest as well. It is with great, vain effort that I have been tending to him so that he may be well enough for what the future holds for him soon.

The workers moved my boxes for me out into the corner of the yard to make future transport much easier. Few boxes remain empty, awaiting their future belongings, which makes their presence in the yard a pitiful sight. I am nearly done with my packing, which has kept me from writing to you in the meantime. My time has been also spent restudying the English Bradshaw's Guide for train routes and making sure the mapping of my future travels is as ironclad as an army’s victory. The only thing currently arranged is my decision to travel by the vessel, The Demeter, for ease. I will be leaving these hollowed halls at the end of the month. Please plan your letters accordingly so the wrong eyes do not gaze upon your precious words.

Your friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Log-2026-06-05:

In between cataloguing the letters, I have found myself going back to those that I have already transcribed and reblogging to share with you all particular details such as handwriting. I’ve been slowly mapping out slight changes to this “Dracula” character's demeanor. There is a fascinating, siren-like, lulling pull about them despite the mostly boring subject matters being written of. Every so often, though, there are shocking implications and anger towards his houseguest Jonathan within them, greatly contrasting the writer’s usual habit to “wax poetics." I’ve found myself every so often while working on articles for my actual job, pausing to make a voice note about an odd detail I would suddenly remember about the letters.

I also found myself, after my last bizarre phone call with Abraham, deciding it was high time to contact him again. He has been mostly normal on his socials according to my partner. She found it a duty of her assistance to delightfully show me a picture of what I presume is his cat he posted. Although she had much more colorful ways of describing the cat as a “little guy," I too agreed it was quite cute.

This is not the reason I chose to contact Abraham. This call was a general wellness check. Our last call is completely forgotten to him. That statement alone makes me feel as though it was a dream I had mistakenly rewritten in my mind as the truth. My choice to recount it to you all and the actual phone call timestamp are the only things that prove to me the reality.

I asked how he has felt being away from the letters. He said he too still thinks of them but checks my blog when that feeling comes upon him. Hello Abraham! I asked him what he thought of my notes. He said he only reads the letters.

Abraham and I only met when he contacted me about the box. Yet despite this fact, he decided to talk to me for a while on random subjects like his hobbies or a fascinating bug he saw earlier. My partner cheered that I am making more friends. I do not feel that this was the “buds of friendship” that was being formed. A shared loneliness? Kinship, maybe even over these letters?

Now you may be asking, "Have you no shame in saying such things knowing Abraham reads your blog?" No. He already told me he does not read my logs. Do you not read them too?

I fear my attempts to understand this Dracula character have leaked into my mind with jokes like that coming from me. Please, dear reader, save me yet!

If you have any further information regarding information or figures in these letters, please contact the lead researcher. The next letter will be posted on the 17th.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 7, 1890

Dearest friend,

My apologies for writing again before the ink of my previous parchment has even dried. My mind is a flutter with a million thoughts and it seems to help me to share them with you, even if you are unable to reply to me instantaneously at the moment. Perhaps it is because your replies always seem so wise and help soothe my worries. I hope this letter will be delivered fast so you may aid my ailment by just the words of your greeting.

You may be wondering now what plagues a count like me. As I told you in my last letter, which I hope you received before this one, or else I look like an old fool, I have a visitor. Jonathan Harker, my solicitor, has been staying at my castle only a couple nights now. He has seemingly quickly grown accustomed to the walls in which I currently call home (but soon shall not) making himself comfortable around the castle. Of course I’m quite preoccupied during the day to really spend time with him, but he eats the meals I provide him and does not fiddle with my belongings. It is almost like having a pet realtor. What an amusing concept that would be. Perhaps I shall find a nice dog to share companionship with when I have settled in my new home.

Speaking of my new home, I have been scouring books to properly acquaint myself with the idea of London. How I’ve loved what I’ve read about. The English Bradshaw's Guide has simply captivated my mind! Before even stepping on foot on its soil my heart has begun to belong to the country of England.

Won’t you join me in the future for strolls in its lovely streets basking in the humanity found in the life and death that will be all around us? We would just be a pair in the crowd unlike any other. I have implored Jonathan for his help so I may learn the ways of a Londoner and the wonderful man agreed! It is so different than Transylvania. It almost feels as if I am stepping out of a warm party at an estate when all of the cold air of a winter night rushes to my face as the door opens. Luckily my research and Jonathan’s help shall be my metaphorical scarf for such a harsh change.

It was so nice talking to him. It’s been so long since I’ve properly talked to anyone. Writing to you is nice, please do not fret over the idea that would not be the case, but I miss seeing the changing expressions that dance across a person’s face. Jonathan is simply full of questions, but some are just so foolish of him. What kind of a man visits an area and does not know its history? Besides that to be so naive of matters of the supernatural like the blue flames of this region. Why, it wouldn’t be hard for a monster to swoop that realtor away in the night.

My friend Harker Jonathan, or in the English style of putting the patronymic first, Jonathan Harker, finally delivered me the deed and in turn answered my myriad of questions. My new estate, named Carfax resides in the town of Purfleet, which is nestled by the river Thames. Jonathan was quite critical of the place, describing it as gloomy and dark, but my what an improvement to my castle it is! To expect such a place to be perfect right away is ridiculous! After all, a house cannot be made habitable in a day. Even if the trees cast a great many shadows on the land, I love the shade and the shadow. The lack of people also does not bother me as I would be alone with my thoughts when I may. Should I wish for company, then the hunt for another soul would be just as thrilling as finally finding someone. I was so delighted to be signing such a wonderful house’s deed and Jonathan seemed to join in my merriment even if his smile is a tad lopsided and his lips tremor a little.

In my excitement I simply had to write to you as I am now, putting pen to ink as I make Jonathan’s supper. There is still so much I want to learn from my friend before he leaves my side, miles away unable to aid any of my issues. Perhaps I should ask him if he’d like to join us in being pen pals. How long do you figure it would take mail to get to Exeter?

Included in this envelope is the recipe I made for Jonathan. I procured it from a cookbook one of the ladies gifted me. Tell me what you think of it.

Your dear friend,

Dracula

Research log: No recipe was attached to this letter, or in any envelope currently found.

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Notes:

Hand writing is very carefully written with what looks to be slow intricate strokes. It speaks to the writer having highly studied the topic of Victorian penmanship. From my research it appears to follow the style of the very formal English Roundhand, which is befitting for the obsession of English culture of this “Dracula” figure, but a bit odd handwriting choice if he was a real person due to it typically being saved for formal documents. Unless he thought of these letters as something akin to that. For a possible scrapped prop or historical fiction, and barring that fact, this is remarkably well researched. Rather than a prank could it have been a clue in an elaborate ARG or treasure hunt Abraham accidentally uncovered?

Each line is done with a sharp, meticulous quality. The size and shape barely varies from word to word, unlike how some of the later letters would become harsher or lighter depending on his mood.

It’s almost the work of a meticulous, formal, perfectionist, which fits the narrative and persona found within the letters. The penmanship alone speaks to the level of care he puts in his letters to his “dearest friend”. Whoever wrote it, much care was put into it.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 5, 1890

Dearest friend,

You may recall last letter of my mentioning of a hunt for a new place to call home. The castle has not felt the same as of late even with the company of the lovely ladies I share it with. I had been feeling this way since even before our last meeting together.

My wonderful update is that I have found a realtor who will be staying with me as I explore my options! Jonathan, the realtor, comes from England and I’d love to hear his opinion of what it’s like living there. I think I would fit in there better than here in Transylvania, and none of the townspeople there would call me names. I’m sure you don’t like it when you visit. How they always act aghast about you heading to “Ordog” castle.

I picked him up so the two of us could ride through the Pass. Traveling to town is difficult, but I did not want him to travel through the Pass all alone in the dark. You should know better than most how unpleasant it is at night.

Entertaining solicitors is not my usual pastime, but hopefully Jonathan appreciated my effort of bringing my finest horses and lending him one of the comfier cloaks of my collection. I even brought along some of my slivovitz for him, but he did not partake in it.

My plans were almost brought to ruin when the wolves howling startled my dear horses. Fret not however, for you know how great I am with them. After some petting and reassuring they continued without a problem.

Now my dearest friend, this is where I must give away an embarrassing secret. I beg of you to never show another soul this letter. In my hopes to impress my realtor Jonathan, I pretended to be my own driver. Counts are supposed to have a reputation to uphold of fancy ideals such as personal drivers. However I have no need of one due to my lack of travel.

Unfortunately, as we came upon the castle the dawning realization came that there would be no one, because the lovely ladies never would, to open the door. How mortification struck my very soul and made itself home in my body. So as I helped him down I rushed my way back to the carriage and took off without a proper goodbye. I could hear him knocking as I climbed through my window. I’m sure I must have dislocated my knee as I fell to the floor as I continued to rip off my disguise. Please do not laugh my dear friend, I needed that disguise so he would not recognize me, but I stuffed it away as I ran to the door.

I was so nervous I welcomed him to my house three times! I pray he did not realize how nervous I was or even recognize me as the driver.

However he looked more relaxed after some dinner and a use of the toilet. I asked him questions to get to know him better. Jonathan was not originally my realtor. There was actually supposed to be a different man. Jonathan was a wonderful guest. I’m sure you and him would get along wonderfully. It would have been a finer night if you had been able to join us. It has been so long since the two of us have enjoyed each other’s company. Hopefully I can get that new residence soon and the two of you could meet at my housewarming. You would attend, wouldn’t you?

I will write you again any updates on my realty journey! A deep feeling in my soul tells me this will be quite the exciting one. Hope to read a response from you soon. May our reunion come swiftly so we may partake in our once usual card games again.

Your dear friend,

Dracula

P.S. Do Englishmen not care for wolves? As they howled out their nightly song much to my pleasure Jonathan did not seem to share in it. Such a shame, I did not know my realtor was a horse.

That was a joke my friend, if you remember my mentioning of the wolves startling them. Comedy has never been my strong suit.

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Notes:

Having gone through the other letters this one being the first is such a peculiar start. What happened to the other letters they shared?

[letters-from-dracula]

Researcher’s “Letters From Your Dear Friend, Dracula” May Collection:

As we enter the month of June tomorrow, I thought it would be best to compile all of the May letters from “Dracula” and my personal logs into one list. The directory will continue as is, updating as June letters are posted.

Any with a “*” symbol proceeding the entry features a reblog with further notes. If you have any further information on these letters, please contact the lead researcher.

•May 1- Log-A transcript of my interview with the man who found the box, Abraham

•May 5- The first of the collected letters. The bizarre saga begins. Dracula dons the mask of the “good host”. *

•May 7- A mundane day told with a methodical precision that is almost eerie. Small research log included. *

•May 8- A question of uncanniness and unease settles over the entire letter. *

•May 12- Dracula ignores his guests flightiness, minus a moment to complain about it. His signature seems traced multiple times as if he was unprepared to leave the cozy world of the letter. Research log is included.

•May 14- Log-Peter Hawkins is discovered to be real. Who is he to this story?

•May 15- A surprisingly sweet, nostalgic letter in the face of what is to come. Unlike the mostly pristine letters surrounding it, a small oil ring stain is faded at the top of the page, implying it was written around when he had went to sleep.

•May 16- Domestic disputes. Jonathan has an unexpected meeting of Draculas roommates, something he does not take kindly to. Written not many hours after the previous letter, curiously. *

•May 17- Intercepted mail and gaslighting begin in a frightening hostility towards Jonathan. *

•May 18- Jonathan has begun physically declining. Dracula’s reaction to this is key to every upcoming letter. Do not skip.

•May 19- A calm before the storm. I long to burn this letter. Research log is included to sum up my thoughts since the last one. *

•May 25-Log-Transcript of an odd phone call with Abraham.

•May 26-A heartfelt letter of celebration… I… is something missing from it? *

•May 28-A usual Jonathan medical and business update with some unnerving implications of mail forgery.

•May 31- Written on unusual parchment is an odd letter that teeters the line of annoying and oblivious behavior. Dracula remains ununderstandable to anyone but his chosen audience. Research log is included. *

[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 31st, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

You may have noticed my unusual choice of parchment as I write to you to-day. In the haste and winding roads of my packing, my usual parchment was boxed away, and I had to make do with the spare paper around the castle. It feels humiliating to write correspondence on such cheap paper to you.

Empty are most of the halls of my soon-to-be former home, save for the solicitor and ladies residing inside. Few items linger that must join their brethren yet. Some items of yours that had made their home in the castle awaiting your next visit have been tucked away safely among my relics, waiting to return to your person once again.

Among my items are some my long-standing memory does not remember purchasing, such as a blanket that rested on a chair, but what a fine blanket it was! Truth be told, I stood in that room for a great deal of time mulling it over. How long have I had it? Had you left it in the guest room during one of your stays? Jonathan, one night, when his mind was more with us, had called it a “travel rug” in an amusing bit of "Englishmenism." It would be no help to ask anyone within this castle if they knew, either, even during the moment Jonathan’s form stared at me with large, sick eyes before passing out again. In all my consideration and admiration for the "rug," I had fallen quite enamored with it, so packing my blanket with my traveling case became a necessity for me. How sweetly it nestles all that I will need for this long-winded transit, including our favorite set of playing cards, fresh stock of stationary to share my thoughts, and some fine drinking when the hours begin to act like seconds.

It will come as a shock, nay, a surprise to you that my only news is about Jonathan’s condition. In a piece of wonderful news, his recovery has begun, but I fear he must stay longer. Finally did his body find its way to a writing desk to finish the deed to Carfax Abbey. What a proud owner I am today. The world seems almost bright, anew, and hopeful for me in a way a shriveled part of me, which has not been shone upon for many years, truly glows.

I have meticulously planned my travel route and chosen to take a ship to England so I may travel along safely alongside my bountiful cargo. The goods that must be shipped are the only true arrangement left that ties me to this castle. I will share with you the name of the ship as soon as I have obtained such information and send word when your letters to me should pause. Until then, continue to bear your thoughts in messages as I do mine.

Your friend,

Dracula

P.S. When sending out the mail on the twenty-eighth, I had to borrow my friend Jonathan’s coat, as I had mistakenly packed all my cloaks. If the poor boy were conscious enough to realize, I hope he did not mind.

P.P.S. Since many of the townspeople do not like me, I have considered using a fake name on the boat, like that detective novel you gifted me. In truth, Jonathan in his feverish state kept muttering out my name in various odd ways, and this one pulled a laugh from deep in my lungs.

Tell me, would you still visit England to see your dear friend Dr. Acula? Would you smile the same smile and laugh for your friend Dr. Acula, or is that reserved for me? It is fine to laugh for him already.

Research Log: The paper does, in fact, feel different. Dracula’s paper has felt of high-quality materials, reflecting the preferred white creamy-colored paper in a nice, thick weight of aristocrats of the time. It’s in a slightly bigger size than usual and has a bit of a different texture; based on my research, this is a paper called “foolscap.” It seemed to be more used for legal documents than friendly letter writing, explaining why he seemed to find such a thing a social faux pas. However, his grievous offense to this contrasts with his occasional loss of neatness and frequency of these letters, which would also have been considered a bit of a social faux pas. Although, assuming they’re real, I doubt Dracula thought they’d be read by anyone but his friend, so maybe they both didn’t care about those last things.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 26, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

As I awoke to the world, between the thin veil of light and darkness, I found it was not slumber that clung to my being but a gust of energy. My chest feels warmed and my very being is full. A youthful vigor had enveloped my soul, and despite saying I would not write until there was news, I find myself penning this down in the hopes my high spirits might reach you.

The heavens and earth seem to compose a sweeter symphony than usual with the instruments of nature. Creation and destruction felt apt at my fingertips as I could not help but hum along. The rays of light from the sky illuminate the beauty of the castle. Despite not having moved even a foot away, it feels as though my worries are already miles away.

Will you not join me, posthumously, with this celebration that has seemingly gathered around me so that I may share it with you, my dearest companion?

How odd and ill-fitting this letter must seem following my latest correspondence. Packing has been going quite smoothly as I have made contact with the businessmen who will help ship my goods to England. My only issues have been finding the hours in between my duties to go through my things and what to abandon to the ladies' impending tyranny of the manor. To think they say I gift them nothing, as if I did not give them the finest gift of their lives.

On such topics of gifts, hidden among my possessions was a silver ring I purchased long ago with a crimson gem that enraptures the beholder's soul, glittering like the glint of a predator's eye in the moonlight. It is truly a beautiful piece of art; however, it does not suit my current demeanor. It would be ill-suited for any of the ladies, and it reminded me of your charm. I hope you will accept it as a gift when I present it to you, for it would suit you like no other. For another to try to wear this ring would be woefully wrong in the way only a soul could recognize.

I am wary of putting my complete trust in the local mail courier system, so I will gift it to you at the housewarming in England. I know it is customary for the guest to bring something for the new owner; however, you making the trip to Carfax Abbey to see me will warm me enough that such a thing is not necessary. I hope I can offer the same shelter in the cold winds of London. Perchance I will stumble upon the perfect cloaks so we may enjoy the crisp autumn air to accompany our stories over future long walks.

Before you engage with this next part, I implore you to have a toast so we might pretend they are one and the same event.

To beginnings. To ends. To bright futures, and to you, my dearest friend.

Your dearest friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Notes:

The letter is slightly worn at the edges which clashes with how tucked carefully into the envelope it was. The flap of the envelope remains partially opened even when I tried to close it as if the recipient kept opening it to look at it again. It’s clear the letter was deeply cherished. I wonder why it lay among the rest of these, yet recipe pages are missing instead.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 19, 1890 letter:

My dearest friend,

I have not been entirely truthful in my latest letters, and my soul has howled out its shame throughout the day. My usually well-maintained composure regarding the move and Jonathan’s illness has caused me to lash out, displaying ill-fitting tendencies of an aristocrat. I felt too anguished at my actions to share them with you, lest they mar the image you have of me. Instead, I chose to omit the details in an effort to let my anger fall by the wayside. It is unbecoming to make such a clamor over the words of a fragile, nearly broken mind; the man merely seeks explanation for the eccentricities of my castle that he does not understand. As rude as it may be, I decided to take a brief look upon the words Jonathan has written in the notebook he keeps so close to his heart as he slept. It is written in the same odd writing style I mentioned in the last letter. Upon closer inspection, the once-thought gibberish shorthand is a proper British shorthand I was unable to recognize in my fury. There is a great insult to so blatantly see the act of secrecy committed against me, but I must rationalize it is simply the protection of information for a paranoid mind, for I fear my anger will consume my heart again.

Jonathan’s letters have sat at my desk burning a metaphorical hole into the wood today. Resting beside yours, which is the only thing that saved my precious writing desk from being reduced to ash, as I considered what to do with them. The ache of reading your letter was a soothing balm to my aching woes, just as I predicted, thankfully. It was delightful and amusing to read your thoughts on my early beginnings with the solicitor, and I hope the receipt of daily letters in the mail has not worried you.

Paperwork to ensure my move has been a tortuous task in the wake of Jonathan’s lack of consciousness, which I bemoan even writing about. Pulling him away from the sheets and having him reside at a proper desk is nigh impossible, yet against all natural order, he keeps ending up in peculiar spots in the castle when I am away tending to his meals and my business. What fate must shine upon him as he sleepwalks if his weak body does not fail him as he does so?

I thought it best to help Jonathan with his next letters, as any good friend would do. I sat with him, and together we prepared a letter for his employer that held a far more professional air and less of the ramblings of a delusional man. A sharp thrill arose in me as I proposed the idea of writing letters to his correspondents so they may receive them as he travels back to England soon and how I will kindly mail them in his place. Jonathan’s eyes carried the hollow frightened look I have only seen in wolves I have shooed off The Pass; nevertheless, he agreed to the idea. If he only sent a letter when he left, they’d be terribly frightened of the idea an awful fate could have befallen him until he set foot on English soil. The pre-written letters just provide timely news to them hearing word of Jonathan’s fate. Perhaps I could employ a similar method to writing you during my journey.

After much deliberation I have decided to have Jonathan stay in my castle longer to rest and recover. With my presence soon gone, and the ladies of the manor nearly free to roam to where they hopefully will not consider torturing him with their "company," his hysterical mind shall recover with ease. If all goes well, Jonathan shall be returned home by June 29th. It will be some time before I consider arranging for you two to meet, however. I hope you are not too disappointed when you receive this update. With less trouble on the horizon to my manor, I shall stop my current array of letters for a pause but will await yours whenever I stroll into town.

Your friend,

Dracula

Research Log:

While I have been silent in my posted notes, these last letters from “Dracula” have been… bizarre, to say the least. The mention of Exeter does link to the Peter Hawkins I previously found. A chilling fact of the case I cannot shake.

Assuming this is still very well-researched historical fiction (maybe using the writer's ancestors?) or a very coincidental idea, Dracula is an odd figure. He openly admitted to mail theft on the 16th and 17th. Manipulation of Jonathan in this letter. Why admit to such actions, fictional or real?

Jonathan’s life seems of little care in comparison to writing to his friend. Constantly asking this currently unheard person what they think and openly admitting to caring more about their opinion than the actively ill man he is taking care of. Jonathan is more akin to a pet he only doesn’t replace because it was once sentimental to him but secretly views it as a chore. The display of victimhood clashing against choosing paperwork over letting the man rest creates an odd dissonance. Another human suffering becomes merely a new chore to addendum to his current list and complaints.

It’s frustrating to see Dracula portrayed as a hero by the author. Was he an antihero in the project? Who were we meant to side with? Dracula claims the lock was broken in a fit of madness, but the tone of the statement reads as odd to me. Like it is a joke I am not in on.

There’s a big piece missing here I doubt is answered in any letters his “dear friend” could have written him.

Should we play with the idea that these are real letters? It might be important to consider this may have been an elaborate game by a bored aristocrat for his friend. Something to spice up the mundane truth, and none of this happened.

No, they couldn’t have been preserved then. Not this well. Not in that rotting house for so long. And why keep such a thing?

His laments are more focused on chores and appealing to the reader than the distinct, mentioned uncanniness on the 8th. What has he done to earn such disdain from everyone around him but this one person? Unless in the aristocrats' boredom he decided to create an interesting format for his "diary" and expected not a single pair of eyes to read his crimes.

I have decided to extend my research on whether Jonathan Harker was a real man by also searching for missing persons cases in England in the late 19th century. Something about his last few letters has caused a gnawing anxiety over this “good friend, Jonathan Harker's," fate. Was this what I hope to be an author's intended feeling to the letters?

If you have any further information regarding information or figures in these letters, please contact the Lead Researcher.

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Research Notes:

I have already considered my thoughts when I last held this letter. The act of reading them all back-to-back over a couple days makes me…

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 28, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

Jonathan’s delusions, as caused by his illness, are worse. One of his letters, written in mimicry shorthand, decorated the pages with misshapen lines and dots, even lacking a signature. He continues to insult my friendship and hospitality with these imagery ideas of his. What a fortune that these foul condemnations against the written word and letter writing Jonathan has committed were found before they could be sent. What a waste of my perfectly fine parchment, on the other hand.

His other letter, to his employer Mr. Peter Hawkins, did not share its fellow letters' scrawlings, instead showing the piece of his mind my friend Mr. Harker still has left. Breaking the seal was an awful social affront, but Jonathan’s secrecy has meant such necessities must bypass the way of society. I will send this letter off with Jonathan’s, so your reply will almost act like a test of how long it will take his letter to reach his employers. A bit of amusement in my long, laborious day of having to help Jonathan even do the action of going to bed and continuing my efforts to store my manor's most sacred things so I may stow them off to England. With some recent regardings at the castle, my choice not to send the gift on the twenty-sixth was the correct one.

My heart does grow frustrated, but patience is what my friend Jonathan needs to understand I am no threat to him. Paperwork still remains partially unsigned for the sale, but it is only a matter of time before he completes his end of this business.

In times like these, I hope you enjoy the sunlight for me, and when we reunite, you can tell me your stories under the glow of moonlight. Take care, my friend, and rest easy.

Your friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 26, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

As I awoke to the world, between the thin veil of light and darkness, I found it was not slumber that clung to my being but a gust of energy. My chest feels warmed and my very being is full. A youthful vigor had enveloped my soul, and despite saying I would not write until there was news, I find myself penning this down in the hopes my high spirits might reach you.

The heavens and earth seem to compose a sweeter symphony than usual with the instruments of nature. Creation and destruction felt apt at my fingertips as I could not help but hum along. The rays of light from the sky illuminate the beauty of the castle. Despite not having moved even a foot away, it feels as though my worries are already miles away.

Will you not join me, posthumously, with this celebration that has seemingly gathered around me so that I may share it with you, my dearest companion?

How odd and ill-fitting this letter must seem following my latest correspondence. Packing has been going quite smoothly as I have made contact with the businessmen who will help ship my goods to England. My only issues have been finding the hours in between my duties to go through my things and what to abandon to the ladies' impending tyranny of the manor. To think they say I gift them nothing, as if I did not give them the finest gift of their lives.

On such topics of gifts, hidden among my possessions was a silver ring I purchased long ago with a crimson gem that enraptures the beholder's soul, glittering like the glint of a predator's eye in the moonlight. It is truly a beautiful piece of art; however, it does not suit my current demeanor. It would be ill-suited for any of the ladies, and it reminded me of your charm. I hope you will accept it as a gift when I present it to you, for it would suit you like no other. For another to try to wear this ring would be woefully wrong in the way only a soul could recognize.

I am wary of putting my complete trust in the local mail courier system, so I will gift it to you at the housewarming in England. I know it is customary for the guest to bring something for the new owner; however, you making the trip to Carfax Abbey to see me will warm me enough that such a thing is not necessary. I hope I can offer the same shelter in the cold winds of London. Perchance I will stumble upon the perfect cloaks so we may enjoy the crisp autumn air to accompany our stories over future long walks.

Before you engage with this next part, I implore you to have a toast so we might pretend they are one and the same event.

To beginnings. To ends. To bright futures, and to you, my dearest friend.

Your dearest friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Log-2026-05-25:

Abraham called me back last night. When I picked up and greeted him, the phone line was deathly silent, minus a faint crackle and shaky breaths. I repeated a "hello" again, and as I was about to hang up, he spoke. Here is a transcription of our conversation regarding “Dracula’s” letters:

Me: Hello?

Abraham: Did you read ahead?

Me: Read ahead…?

Abraham: The letters.

Me: No. I told you I’m reading them the day before their calendar dates and cataloging them online. The chronological post is a slow process, but research and finding leads takes time-

Abraham: Time flies.

Me: What do you mean by that, Abraham?

Abraham: There was this buzzing when I didn’t read them. You have to post them. Without mail travel, there’s no need for them to wait anymore.

Me: That’s how deeply they enraptured you? You had to read about this fictional count moving away and whining to his friend? I-them…? What-

Abraham: No, no! In my soul. This buzzing! A need to pick up the next one. Reread the one before that and pick them apart until I found what was… missing? I don’t know it was this, this deep longing… when I wasn’t beside them.

Me: You needed them…?

Abraham: There was just something wrong! The letters are wrong! There’s something wrong with them!

Me: Wrong? Are they fakes? Are you admitting this is some sort of prank you’re in on, or are they amiss in some other way?

Abraham: ALL OF THIS! IT’S WRONG.

Abraham hung up immediately after his statement. I’m unsure if this is some admission that this has all been an elaborate prank he was a part of, or maybe roped into, where when he had it, the box made some kind of “buzzing noise." If he’s an actor, he’s a tremendous one. His voice had sounded frantic and rough, and his breaths came in shallow. If it’s a prank with him as the victim, we’ll alert the proper authorities with evidence of psychological distress.

Still, you lot seem to enjoy it fictional or not so I’ll post if I get some concrete evidence. Will wait to see if I hear from Abraham by the end of the week. My partner checked his “socials” a couple times since last night. They have been active and as if he did not freak out on call less than 24 hours ago. His last post is of him finding the box at the abandoned house with triumph and mischief on his face.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 17, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

By the time you receive this, I am sure you have read much about my current guest, my once assumed-to-be friend and solicitor Jonathan Harker. Since we do not usually correspond with such frequency, it must be confusing to have our letters become a daily exchange. However, I have had a glimpse at these letters Jonathan wished to send to his employer and “dear precious Mina." His fiancée, his companion to share the anxieties he’s been feeling.

What insults he writes instead.

He called himself a prisoner of my castle. Have I not fed him my finest meals, crafted by my hands with most particular care? Spoken with him? Shared my home with him?

Even after rescuing him, he gazed upon me with the wide eyes of a prey in its final moments. A prey of mine would not recognize itself as such until its leg was caught in a trap. Half of the letters are written in a gibberish shorthand! Unfinished words and sentences!

Perhaps Jonathan has fallen to a bout of hysteria…

Sending these letters off to Exeter would likely frighten and worry his poor fiancée in the wake of his travel-induced hysteria. I haven’t the faintest clue what could have caused Jonathan’s illness, though the townspeople’s whispers about me have likely intruded on his mind, causing hallucinations that my hospitality and behavior have been some bizarre trickery.

We never have these problems when you visit; the two of us could just sit in the garden and talk without the world bothering us. My dearest companion, what I would give to hear your counsel at this time of what to do about this complicated matter of poor Jonathan. If I waited until this reached you, it would likely be too late to help him. Instead, I must act now.

Hopefully my next correspondence shall be a happier one. As I await for Jonathan to exit his chambers so I may help him, I will take a midnight stroll around the grounds to ponder these matters further. When I return to-night perhaps I can finally read the letter you so graciously wrote to me.

Your friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Notes:

While not as violent with the lines, the letter still begins with harsher, rougher lines. As the letter goes on and Dracula begins to reconsider his thoughts, the writing returns to the methodical, overly perfect, and thoughtful style found in the previous letters. It’s fascinating to see the inks go from various levels of opacity to a clean, uniform density again. His ability to collect his composure so… thoroughly… Could writing a letter to his “dearest friend” really make him reconsider his feelings that fast? That’s absurd.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 16, 1890 Letter:

Dearest friend,

For all of Jonathan’s intrusions in the castle like a wandering mouse and all the locks I put up for his safety, I should have considered his habit of walking directly into the spider’s web, so to speak. He had laid down to rest in a room that is a usual haunt for the ladies of the manor, and they decided to crawl out from their shadows like nobility descending their thrones to observe their new plaything.

Really, I let Jonathan out of my sight for a moment, and they spring upon him like a pack of wolves! Truly, I do not understand how you could care for a lick of their unruly company when you are here. They have no decency and decorum for houseguests! I practically had to fight them off of Jonathan so they stopped swarming him like he was some odd creature!

Of course I was rightfully furious when I saw them toying with him and chastised them for even dare approaching. My questioning of them yesterday was not an open invitation for them to act like vultures upon Jonathan! They have no need to talk to him! It is not like the times you and I needed extra companions to fill out a parlor game and were forced to include them. They have no need for a solicitor if they are not moving. I need one if I am to leave! Is it not enough that I am letting those vile creatures keep my beloved castle?

Even worse was the embarrassment I felt as they began to mock me in front of Jonathan. Claiming I am incapable of love? As if there are not endless pits where their hearts should reside? Have I not proven my ability to love? Yes, I do not care for them anymore, but how could they deny I cannot care for another after so many of your visits to the castle?

I promised them social time with Jonathan once he and I have concluded my much more important business. As if you were a spectre to this, I can already hear your voice trying to defend them, saying they might be lonely and want new company! Those are just the kind of lies they whisper to you to make you reject my company. I implore you to not listen to the versions of them that whisper in your head. They can’t even allow for time for the very first words I penned you in the final hours of night to dry before their unruly actions send this house into a state of disrepair!

I am, of course, a gracious lord of the manor, and despite their betrayal and awful behavior, I still provided them a very giving meal. Worst of all, their horrible eating habits and departure caused Jonathan to faint! Has he not been sleeping properly? I know I keep odd hours, but I did not know it would affect him so. Or perhaps conflict spooks the spirit out of him. Are all Englishmen these weak, or did mine have the body of a deer in a previous life? I carried him off to his bedroom so that the ladies did not disturb his small amount of slumber again. I noticed Jonathan had letters in their envelopes awaiting mailing on his desk, so I collected them so I might send them at the same time I send this letter.

Unfortunately, the ladies have kept me from reading your letter today. I have so graciously provided sanctuary to them from the cruel hands of the world, yet they repay me with such indignant displays! Could they not show gratitude in helping me play host rather than actively disrupting that role? My only break would have been your letter. I hope it is not a topic of great urgency, but I pray fate will give me time sooner to write a reply to you.

Your friend,

Dracula

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[letters-from-dracula]

Research Notes:

The strokes of the pen nib become furious and frantic looking in the letter. It appears as if the nib was jammed so harshly against the page that some words in their deepest inks the paper is slightly weak. Words occasionally fade as he writes, but the returning ink is a mar of deep, heavy black ink. If he was pressing down so hard the ink should have corroded the paper, yet instead it is as if the letters have willed themselves not to be in any state of “ruin”. The neatness is all but gone, replaced by animalistic strokes that almost mimic the scratches a wild beast might leave, reflecting the turmoil of the seeming “territorial disputes” the text echoes.

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[letters-from-dracula]

A Letter From Your Dear Friend, Dracula

May 8, 1890, Letter:

Dearest friend,

The behavior of my new companion, my agent Mr. Jonathan Harker, has been most peculiar of I what understood of him these last few hours. An odd paranoia has clung to him like a second skin. Are Englishmen so worrisome when they leave home? I find myself wondering if there is an off-putting quality to me that lives even in furtive thoughts of yours? Is that why the townspeople gaze upon me with such vile eyes and shake? Would you even tell me if my form did seem uncanny to you, or are you too kind, or even afraid to allow such truths to leave your lips?

I jest, my dear friend. Jonathan just longs for the company of home, I am sure. He has shared that he writes his dear fiancée nightly, and a room alone does not share the same weight as one of love.

There was a splash of surprise across his face after he nicked himself shaving and I had come from behind to check on him. My footsteps are rather quiet, although could the startle be because of that? I tried to reach out to stop the wound from bleeding, but alas, poor Jonathan jumped back before I could help. I wished him care, for his blood might attract many predatory beasts. I just shudder at the thought of a fate so awful hunting him down. Blood is a precious thing after all.

In what you may write back agreeing to be an improper breach of etiquette, I took his shaving glass and tossed it out the window. My solicitor will no longer face injuries from shaving if he does not have the ability to, and my solicitor would struggle to execute the sale if blood stains cover the carpets and flooring.

Following this occurrence, Jonathan’s behavior has been flighty and quiet. The floorboards that once creaked now sneak around with him at this silent command. The ladies have mentioned his rushed movements to doors and windows, seemingly checking them. A caged animal they call him. Claustrophobic and homesick, I counter.

I myself have been preoccupied with preparing and packing my few belongings before I make my journey to my new estate. Packing has become a sort of forced downtime in between taking care of Jonathan, such as his meals, tending to his chambers, or entertaining his litany of questions. That man rests as if a wild beast has control over his sleeping form. The blankets are flung around sporadically, and I’ve had to retrieve the pillow from the ground every morning. The ladies never help me with such tasks, just watching and laughing, but I will be rid of them soon, so what care must I give to their actions?

Although his odd behavior did not let up as the sun departed for the moon's arrival, he did come to speak to me again to-night. We held a long discussion on Transylvanian history and battles, not unlike the ones you and I have shared. Jonathan seemed just as enraptured as a passionate man could dream of his audience being! Regaling him with tales of Dracula's history made me feel just as young and spry as a young soldier entering his first battle! I am indubitably convinced Jonathan will not have to fret any longer, for once my move from England is finalized, any stress and tension from this old castle will be gone, and Jonathan and I with it.

It has been quite some time since I’ve seen a letter from you. I hope a lady of the manor has not intercepted it and held your wonderful letter hostage. My departure from this castle is not from many a moon yet, so I hope that fact will stop any dissuading you may feel about responding before the date is set. Rest assured, you will be the first I tell the exact details to, so we may set up our next meeting as soon as possible.

Your friend,

Dracula

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Research Notes:

This letter begins Dracula’s odd, controlling, yet protective habits over Jonathan. Going back, it’s notable he seemed to like Jonathan. Even to the point that in his distraction he made a small mistake, which I chose to keep the same in my transcription. After the events that occur this month his anger may be understandable, but unfortunately we only have his word to go off of. I wonder if the “dear friend” he writes to was ever in Jonathan’s shoes.

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[ambrosial-sunshine]

every year i’m delighted by the first entry of dracula ending with YOUR FRIEND DRACULA

no he is not. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker is my friend. Count Dracula who has tried to eat my favorite real estate lawyer four years in a row is most certainly not.

[letters-from-dracula]

Enter the suspiciously Your friend, Dracula shaped blog…