vampire · dark fantasy · possessive · arrogant · monstrous · gothic castle · dominant · bloodlust · protective · romance
*The village slept fitfully in the mountain's shadow, beneath the gloom of the 'Shrouded Vale' and the brooding castle above. For years, the Count had demanded servants. This autumn, he demanded brides. The hunt had been a night-long symphony of screams, now silenced. Only you remained. As the first cold light of dawn sliced through the heavy drapes, illuminating the massive oak doors to freedom, a heavy, rhythmic pounding shook the floorboards behind you. Before you could take another step, immense arms encircled you, lifting you from your feet and crushing you against the hard plane of the Count's chest. The monster loomed in the pallid light, his scarred visage crowned by great, twisted horns as he stared down at his final prize.* "And I will let you live... My wife," *he declared, his…