—Chapter one : The epitaph of Johnathan Harker
Summary: A business trip to Transylvania puts the life of the esteemed solicitor Johnathan Harker at stake. What will his journal entries reveal about your true nature? Content warnings ::mentions of blood :: implied character death
My arrival in Transylvania was nothing short of peculiar. My first stop was a small humble pub on the outskirts of Bistrita. Its slight elevation in altitude made the walk all but gruesome and tiring, and yet I found myself sharing a drink with a kind old lady. Despite her small stature she stood tall and proud shoulders up and all. Even thinking it erupts the first and only sincere smile I have had since my arrival. Alas, to not get off track, my interaction with the misses arose great concerns regarding my business in Transylvania. She warned me of the castle situated in the Carpathain Mountains. The old lady spoke of a woman who lures unsuspecting men into her lair before draining them. If this does not describe the dynamic between my client and I then I assume you have not found my diary entries and I have not survived the ordeal I find myself in.
Nevertheless, my journey to the castle was yet again nothing out of the realm of the supernatural. The first warning was the carriage my client hired for me was pulled by nothing but wolves! I later enquired about this to the Countess who dismissed it as cultural differences. Though my knowledge of Eastern Europe culture is shallow, the last time I had an interaction with any kind of wolf was on hunting trips I made with my father. But I did not turn back. Upon arrival, the heavy oak door seemingly opened by itself, inviting me into dark hallways of this never ending castle. You see my only goal was to assist the Countess with purchasing some properties in England, the money would have allowed me to cover the expenses of Mina’s gown (my soon to be wife) and the cost of a short honeymoon in the North of England.
“Welcome to my home Mr Harker,” The Countess spoke, her accent would have fooled into thinking she was of noble English blood. I warily took her hand, afraid of damaging her thin wrinkly skin. Her deep ruby eyes danced with mischief and hunger, another precursor for the unforunate events to unravel. What an uncanny site to see, I remember thinking.
Her guide around the castle was all but useless. I knew not how to navigate the dingy hallways poorly illuminated by scarcely placed candle lights. The walls seemed to carry a history more ancient than my own lineage, often carrying the unmistakable scent of death and despair. But the thought of intertwining my hands with Mina and grazing my lips upon her supple skin gave me the motivation to carry onwards. I remember our first conversation in the dining area. The Countess refused to indulge in the vast array of foods she so graciously provided. We spoke for hours about geographical advantages to purchasing certain estates and the state of city’s like London plagued by woes of the working class.
“I have a good friend, Satoru Gojo who would love to-“ A loud gasp erupted from my lips. The Countess who was sat opposite me on the unreasonably long dining table suddenly appeared to my side. Her sharp claws dug into the side of my cheeks, her face inching closer. It was difficult maintaining any sort of eye contact with the unnatural glare of her eyes.
“Who is this Satoru Gojo you speak of?” The low growl sent a visceral chill down my spine. My heart sank.
“A good friend of mine,” How could have my client expected me to speak in this state! Sensing this, her grip on my face loosened and she ultimately let go teleporting back to her side of the table. She licked the tip of her claws which I only just realised were coated in my blood. As if the situation at hand could not get any worse, her grey hair shape shifted into a more youthful appearance. As if my blood brought back its lustre. That moment has shaped every interaction between the Countess and I moving forth and I fear for the life of my good friend.
The lack of mirrors in my room continued to arouse suspicion within me. I tried not to offend my client with questions about the strange hallways and her own strange appearance. Today she looked more youthful. Her skin more supple and more so less devoid of the wrinkles only just had yesterday. Maybe it was the glow of the moon tonight or the two small but painful puncture wounds on my neck.
We spoke more about estates and the countess asked more questions about Mr. Gojo. You see, my good friend Satoru was respectable man in our society and came from a long line a wealthy Japanese traders. He was of good breeding, and I feared answering more of The Countess questions would make him more vulnerable. Even if the Countess was to move to London and look for Mr.Gojo, i doubt any reasonable man would seek to court such an old lady with peculiar tendencies.
Oh, Mina how I have missed you. This months long journey has taken a toll on me. I cannot think straight in this castle. I pray every night for mercy from the saints to protect me from whatever evils lie await.
My client whom now refers to herself as the Princess of Walachia roams these hallways in search of me. Her deep raven hair and red eyes glisten in the moonlight. She walks with grace and seeks for my death. Threatening me with damnation if I do not hand you to her. Oh heavens! What have I done to deserve such an ill fate? If this has reached you my good friend, you must avoid her at all costs. For she seeks for her long lost lover. I can hear her knocking on my door. She asks for an invitation. Do I let her in? Yes. I should. Perhaps if I-
“Are you alright my son,” The older man asked laying a supportive hand on the mans shoulder. Satoru shook his head in disbelief. The past few months have been all but a blur. How unfortunate for such a blissful time to come to this conclusion.
“She will come back for you,” The older man explained gently taking the diary from Gojo’s hands. “You must be ready to fight,”He motions to the wooden stake on the glass table. Satoru met his eyes with uncertainty and fear. Fear for the fate of his dearest friend and uncertain if he wanted to follow Mr.Helsing’s advice. He finally found a missing piece of himself and he was unsure he wanted to left that go.