Jane awoke.
The world was swaying.
I'm drunk, she thought.
Then she looked about and saw stone walls and a tiny window. A pile of dusty books sat on a shelf, and a small table beside. She lay on a bed covered by a single woven blanket. Judging by the low timber ceilings and oppressive thickness of the walls, she was in a castle.
How did I get here?
Jane pieced together her final memory.
Oh no.
Dracula's features flashed into her mind: his pallid face in the glare of her lantern.
You should come with me.
He had mesmerised her. But why? Where was she? And what were his intentions? She peered down at herself and saw that her clothing had been changed. The vampire—the fiend—had dressed her in a long red dress with no back.
I look like a harlot!
Jane was both embarrassed and enraged. She was sure her chastity remained intact, but any creature that would remove the clothing of a woman was capable of anything. Crossing to the window, she peered out and saw only fields and forest. A light covering of snow lay across everything. The sun hung low in the sky. She had been secured in an ancient castle. There was a round turret, part of a wall and a moat below.
I could raise the alarm if only I could see someone.
She crossed to the ancient oak door. Much to her surprise, it opened easily, allowing her a glimpse into the hallway beyond.
Dracula and his creatures were probably still asleep. If she were to stand any chance of escaping, she had to do it now. Jane hurried along the hall and down a flight of stairs, passing windows that looked out onto a courtyard.
Reaching the lower level, she raced through room after room. In its own way, the building appeared homely. The library was well-stocked with books. The dining room was set as if for a great dinner. There was seating for twelve. There were sitting rooms, a music room with a pianoforte, and a pristine kitchen.
A well-to-do family must live here.
A small chapel was in one corner of the building. Jane lingered there for a few moments, thinking of her father.
Finally, she reached a door that led out onto a courtyard. Hurrying through this, she raced towards the gatehouse. The mighty doors were secured with a crossbar. She wrenched the timber free, pulled the doors open, and peered at what lay beyond.
No!
It was an additional line of defence: a portcullis. An enormous metal gate was lowered to keep attackers out—or keep her in. She would never be able to raise it alone.
What can I do?
Jane thought for a long moment before turning back to the courtyard and racing up the nearest flight of stairs. Eventually finding a way onto one of the battlements, she went to the edge and peered over. The sun had fallen now. Only its afterglow remained in the sky. She had to escape now or risk being trapped here all night.
She stepped onto the crenel. It was a long drop to the water below, and she had no idea as to its depth. Her legs shook as she closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Reopening her eyes, Jane took a deep breath and leapt off the edge. She had a falling sensation. A glimpse of flashing sky and distant trees. And then—
Splash!
The water engulfed her. She suffered a terrible moment of confusion where she could not tell up from down. Then she spotted her air bubbles and followed them to the surface. Cold air pushed against her face.
I'm free!
Jane swam towards the nearby bank. The water was hideous, brown and stinking, but she didn't care. Pushing through it, she reached the grassy edge and dragged herself, panting, onto the grass.
Now I must put distance between myself and Dracula.
She ran.
Her dress was soaking and plastered against her body. She had never been a runner except for horseplay with Cassandra and their brothers. Now Jane ran as if her life depended on it, because it probably did. She spotted a road and decided it was worth taking the risk. Soon she was charging down it, her breath ragged with exertion.
I must keep going, she thought. I must run.
A plan began to form in her mind. If she could raise the alarm, she might be able to gather the others, and they could launch an attack on the castle. With Dracula trapped inside, the King and his men might be able to raze it to the ground. Dracula had immense powers, but even he could not succeed against an army.
Jane pressed on down the road until it met another. Without knowing which way was best, she took a chance and turned left. There had to be houses around here. A town. Anything where people could give her aid. Her unkempt appearance was unorthodox, but the goodhearted villagers would help her.
She was freezing but also sweating like a pig. Her breath fogged the air. Night had fallen. There was no sign of a house, but now she could hear running water. That meant there was a bridge nearby. She spotted square shapes against the sky. What were they? Rooftops? Jane was sure of it. Her breath was coming in long, drawn-out gasps, but she was so close to getting help that she could not stop now.
Staggering across the bridge, she saw the buildings of a tiny town beyond, with light spilling through their windows. A tavern! She stumbled down the cobblestone street to the door and pushed it open.
A wave of warm air enveloped her, as did the smell of cooked meat. A man stood behind the bar. Half a dozen patrons, mid-drink, turned and stared at her in astonishment.
'Please!' she cried. 'I require help!'
A barmaid appeared from nowhere and took her arm. Jane allowed herself to be led to a chair near the fire. She half fell into it, gasping to regain her breath. She was shaking badly, but at least now the fire had begun to warm her.
'I was kidnapped by a man,' Jane began. She saw the curious stares of the tavern's other patrons. Every man in the place had stopped in amazement. She could understand their surprise. A stray woman dressed as a harlot had burst in out of nowhere. 'I am a rector's daughter. A woman of good character.'
'Of course,' the barmaid said. 'I can see that. Now, let me get you some tea. Perhaps something to eat.'
Jane realised she was famished. 'Thank you,' she said, grateful for the woman's kindness. 'I will repay you once my friends have arrived. I will need to contact the local judge or watchman.'
The woman trotted away, leaving Jane to warm her hands by the fire. Once the authorities had been informed, she would have a message sent to Doctor Porter and the others. Her thoughts turned to Max. Dear Max. She longed to see his face again. How strange that of all the people she longed to see, he should be so prominent in her thoughts.
Then she thought of Dracula.
He will pay!We will rescue Cassandra from that terrible place, and he will regret the harm he has caused!
Jane allowed her gaze to turn to the other patrons of the tavern. The men had all returned to their drinks. A shape moved amidst the tables. Frowning, she peered about, struggling to catch a glimpse.
'Excuse me,' Jane said to the nearest man.
He placed his drink down. 'Yes, miss?'
'Is that…is that a wolf?'
The beast was enormous. She had never seen a wolf before. Although people spoke of them, none were thought to still survive in England. The creature was grey, with a longer head, pointed ears, and much larger paws than a dog.
'Yes, miss.'
'But how did it get here?'
'It's always been here.'
Jane looked about in confusion. 'Here?' Perhaps she wasn't even in England. Could Dracula have transported her somewhere else? The barmaid returned with a cup of tea and some bread. 'Where am I?'
'Pardon, miss?'
'Where am I? What is the name of this place?'
'This place doesn't have a name.'
'It…' Jane stared at her. 'Every place has a name. Where am I?'
The barmaid sighed. 'You'll have to ask him that,' she said, indicating the wolf.
Jane looked at the animal. Its mighty head was staring directly at her. Its mouth was slightly open, and she could see its teeth. The incisors were sharp, but they were not as she imagined wolf teeth to be. The hair was very fine on its face, and it stood quite still and erect as it regarded her.
But it was the wolf's eyes that beguiled her. Of all the eyes she had seen on any man, woman, or beast, the eyes of the grey wolf were the most beautiful. She felt she could have stared into those eyes forever. With the greatest of effort, she forced herself to squeeze her own eyes shut.
Reopening them, Jane turned back to the woman. 'You say this place has no name?'
'That's right, miss.'
A sinking sensation in her stomach, Jane gazed hopelessly around her. 'I'm not sitting in a tavern,' she said. 'Am I?'
'No, miss.'
Jane turned back to the wolf. 'I never left the castle.'
'Oh, Jane,' the wolf said. 'You are so clever.'