My Immortal, based on the song by Evanescence

[Valeera Van Helsing]

Part I

When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears.
Valeera sat on the cold, stone floor of the small, dark room. She didn’t remember how she’d gotten there. The last thing she remembered before waking up in the little room was dancing with an intriguing stranger at the masquerade ball hosted by her father. Now, she was in this dark, dank room, her heart sinking as she began to realize that no one would know where she was. Tears formed in her eyes and fell down her cheeks and onto her chest that was exposed by the low cut neck of her blood – red, taffeta ball gown.
The sounds of the door’s lock being unlocked made Valeera stand quickly, and she scampered over to the dusty glass doors that led out onto a balcony. The door opened slowly, and in the doorway stood a man of great stature. His skin was pale, and his dark hair hung in silken strands to below his shoulders. His eyes, from what Valeera could tell in the faint light, seemed to be an icy blue and his stare was more intoxicating than any alcohol. Suddenly, he was standing in front of her, only a little more than an inch between their bodies. He brought his hand up to her cheek and wiped away one of the tear trails. His hands were ice cold, making Valeera pull back from him.
“You’re tears echo the sadness within you. Do not be afraid; I will not harm you,” the man said gently. His voice seemed to hypnotize Valeera, and she felt a strange urge to want to be closer to him. She extended her arm and softly placed her hand on his shoulder, her hand shaking as she let it make its way down and across his chest causing the man to allow a soft, shaky moan escape from between his lips. Valeera gasped as her hand came to rest over the man’s heart. He grasped her hand with his and held it there. “You’ve discovered that I have no heartbeat.”
“Yes........who are you?” Valeera asked, her voice shaky and wispy like fallen leaves swept up in a gentle, wintry breeze. She tried to pull away, but the man still held to her hand and was moving closer to her.
“I feel nothing........no love, no sorrow. I am hollow, and I will live forever. I am Count Vladiuslaus Dracula,” he said, wrapping his arm around her, his lips almost touching hers. When he spoke, his breath flowed over her slightly parted lips and into her mouth making her dizzy with ecstasy. “Now, sleep my love. I have much to show and tell you, but first you must sleep.”
Valeera fell into a deep sleep, going limp in the count’s arms. He then lifted her into his arms and carried her to another bedroom........his own. There he laid her limp, sleeping body and stood at then end of the bed, watching her as her chest gently rose and fell with each precious breath she took.
“Soon, my love, we will be together forever, and no one will be able to part us, not even the memory of the horrid deaths of my brides,” he said to himself. He then turned and left, quietly closing and locking the door behind him. The count promised himself that he would not lose this one like he’d lost his previous brides. He would protect her to the death and keep her safe for all eternity.

[Valeera Van Helsing]

Part II

When you screamed, I’d fight away all of your fears.

~*~*~Begin Dream Sequence~*~*~
Valeera ran through the darkness, dead tree branches scratching her face. She could feel the warm blood trickling down her cheeks, but she ran on, not daring to look back at the monster that was pursuing her. She heard a dreadful howl which drowned out her scream as she covered her ears, continuing to run. Suddenly, something tripped her, and she fell to the ground. She tried to get up, but something was on top of her – something warm and furry, not to mention heavy. Valeera could feel hot, steamy breath on her neck, and the thing kept pressing down on her as if trying to hold her down so she couldn’t escape. The monster suddenly bit down on her shoulder, and she screamed.
~*~*~End Dream Sequence~*~*~

Valeera awoke suddenly with a start, screaming and in a cold sweat. The room around her was pitch black. She ran her hand along whatever she was lying on and found that it was soft and satiny. She quickly realized that it was a bed she was on; the sound of a lock unlocking sent Valeera sliding up to the head of the bed. The door opened and a tall, dark figure entered, and as soon as it was in the room, the torches on the walls sparked to life. Valeera quickly identified the figure as Count Dracula, the man that had come into the other room she’d been locked in.
Valeera clung to the ornate headboard so hard that her knuckles had turned white. However, she tightened her grip even more when he came and sat on the edge of the bed, she also drawing her legs up closer to her. Her breathing had quickened as had her heartbeat as she stared into his eyes. Suddenly, he was in front of her on his knees, a hand gripping the headboard on each side of her. Valeera swallowed hard as he moved closer, his lips brushing against hers, making her loosen her grip on the headboard. His breath flowed across her lips when he spoke, making her quiver.
“I heard you scream; are you alright?” he asked, brushing his lips against hers once again. Valeera stared into his soft, blue eyes.
“It was a nightmare; nothing more,” she said breathily. “Why would it concern you so, Count?” she asked, letting go of the headboard and placing her hands down beside her.
“Why would it not? You are a guest in my home; anything that happens to my guests concerns me,” he said, taking one of his hands and laying it on Valeera’s cheek then running it through her long, chocolate – brown hair. She closed her eyes, reveling in his touch. It may have been cold, but it was comforting nonetheless. “Do not fear me; I have been feared for far too long. Your fears will not tarry long here; I will keep them from you and fight them all away,” he said, taking his other hand from the headboard and putting it around Valeera’s waist, pulling her to him. He crushed his lips to hers in a passionate, wanting kiss. Valeera didn’t protest; she wrapped her arms around him as the torches died, and the room fell into complete darkness, but she felt comfort in the darkness, letting go and giving in as the Count chased all fears of the nightmare away.

[Valeera Van Helsing]

Part III

And I’ve held your hand through all of these years.
Valeera awoke alone, however, she knew that the Count had been there recently; she could sense him........his presence; he had not left the castle too long ago. The torches on the walls had sparked to life, and the room was bathed in the soft light radiating from them. Valeera’s eyes fell on a beautiful gold dress that hung on the other side of the room – one that overpowered the beauty of her own which she still wore.
Valeera stood and walked over to where the dress hung, running her hand over the material and finding it to be silk and very soft. She looked to the dresser beside her and noticed a golden mask with ornate beads, a gold tiara with diamonds on it, and a note with her name on it written in an intricate, flourished handwriting. She gingerly picked up the note and carefully opened it, slowly reading the contents.

My dearest Valeera,
First off, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you for remaining here with me and not trying to run away; so many others ran away, but you stayed, and that means a great deal to me.
Secondly, I will be hosting an All Hallow’s Eve masquerade ball at my summer palace, and I am extending you a personal invitation to be my debutante. I’m sure you’ve found your costume, and I hope that you are pleased with it. Should you decide to attend, please be ready around 8:00 PM so that my servant, Gustav, may escort you to the palace so that we can make an entrance together. I do so hope that you will attend.

With much hope and love,
Count Dracula

Valeera finished the letter, reading it once more quickly before refolding it and placing it back on the table. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Valeera went and opened it to find a woman standing there. The woman looked old enough to be her mother, and she had soft, understanding eyes and a sweet smile.
“Hello dear, my name’s Katherine. The Count told me to bring you some hot bath water so that you may ready yourself for the ball,” the woman said as she stepped into the room carrying a large jug, Valeera closing the door behind her. Katherine walked over to one of the corners of the bedroom and drew back a curtain, revealing a beautiful claw foot tub. She poured the contents of the jug into the tub, steam rising from it. She then opened a cabinet and turned to Valeera.
“Here are your scented oils and soaps. However, I suggest that you use the oils with a little restraint, because they tend to be a bit strong. Your towels are over there,” she said, pointing to a small closet next to the tub. “And, I see that you know where your dress and all are. I’ll send up Bethany to do your hair when you finish your bath.” She then walked over to the door and left. Valeera stood there for a moment, then took her dress off and climbed into the tub, the warm water relaxing her. She reached up into the cabinet and grabbed a red bottle and opened it. The scent of roses wafted about the room and clung gently to her nostrils. Valeera poured just a tiny bit into the water then placed the bottle back in the cupboard, closing it. She then set to the task of washing herself. She hadn’t had a bath in two days, and she was glad to get one now.
After she was sure that she was clean, Valeera stood and got out of the tub, hurrying quickly to grab a towel to wrap around her. It was a good thing she did, because at that moment there was a knock at the door. She went over to it and opened it to find a girl that may have been a year or two younger than herself standing there. Valeera smiled.
“You must be Bethany,” she said, stepping back so that the girl could enter the room.
“That I am, and you must be Valeera. My master has told me much about you,” she said, smiling. Bethany stepped over to the armoire and opened it. She looked around in it for a moment then pulled something out, closing it and coming over to Valeera. “Here, put this on,” she said, handing a robe to Valeera. Valeera took the towel from around her and slipped into the robe, tying the sash in the front. She then turned to find Bethany standing by the seat at the dresser, and she stepped over and sat down.
“Hmmm.....I think I have the perfect style for your hair,” Bethany said as she began to brush Valeera’s hair until it was dry and hung in ringlet curls down to her waist. Valeera sat still as Bethany fixed her hair, never once protesting and having closed her eyes so as to make it a surprise. It didn’t take Bethany long, only about and hour and a half, to finish Valeera’s hair.
“Okay, I’m finished; open your eyes,” she said, and Valeera opened her eyes. She was almost breath taken as she looked at the way her hair had been done; it was absolutely beautiful. In the front, framing her face perfectly was a braid that ran perfectly along the hairline in the front and was interlaced with what looked to be a gold ribbon. The same ribbon was interlaced in braids that started on the sides of her head then joined in the back as one. The rest of her hair was left to hang freely.
“Bethany, it’s beautiful,” Valeera said smiling up at the girl from where she sat.
“Thank you,” Bethany replied, smiling back. “Now, we need to get you dressed,” she said stepping over and taking the dress from where it hung on the wall. She then rummaged around in the drawers looking for the undergarments that Valeera would need. The two of them then set about the task of getting Valeera dressed, Bethany helping with the corset and the part of buttoning the back of the dress. Valeera then sat back down so that Bethany could perfectly place the tiara, which was more of a crown because of how tall it was – almost six inches.
It was almost 7:45 as Valeera exited her room, thanking Bethany as she left. She met Gustav at the bottom of the staircase, and the two of them made their way to the palace where the ball was to be held. As they reached the double doors that would lead into the ballroom, Valeera caught sight of the Count standing off to the side. He looked rather dashing in his costume. He wore black trousers and a white shirt. His jacket was gold obviously to match her dress as was his mask. He also wore black gloves. As she and Gustav approached him, she put her mask on, tying the laces in the back which was a bit difficult with the white gloves she was wearing.
“You look stunning my dear,” Valeera heard the Count say as they finally reached the doors and Gustav left the two of them. Valeera felt herself blush, but she knew that it was partially covered in the dim light of the hallway.
“And, you look very handsome, Count,” she said, bowing slightly out of respect. The Count took her hand and pulled her back up, his other hand going to her chin and lifting her face to his.
“You do not bow to me. You are not an underling but an equal,” he said softly then lightly touched his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Valeera felt dizzy for a moment and thought she was going to faint, and she probably would have had the Count and she not turned towards the doors. The Count nodded to one of the guards and the doors were opened revealing a lavish ballroom.
“Presenting My Lord, Count Vladiuslaus Dracula and My Lady, Countess Valeera Van Helsing,” announced a loud, booming voice from within the ballroom. The two of them began to enter the ballroom, Valeera’s arm placed daintily within the crook of the Count’s.
“Why was I announced as a countess; I’m not a countess,” Valeera whispered softly as she watched the guests bow respectfully as the two of them walked down the staircase.
“Because, that is the way I wanted it,” he said with a light smile. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the music recommenced, and the guests returned to their dances. Valeera and Dracula mingled with many high – class people, none of which Valeera knew, but Dracula introduced her to. Then, a beautiful waltz began to play, and Dracula swept Valeera to the dance floor. They moved so fluidly that it was as if they weren’t even touching the floor, and Valeera had to look down a couple of times just to make sure that they were. After what seemed like a long time, the music ended and the ballroom erupted into applause, mostly for Dracula and Valeera because most of the people had stopped dancing just to watch the two of them.
Dracula escorted Valeera out to the balcony, nodding politely to the other couples they passed. When they were out on the balcony, Valeera looked up at the star – filled sky as a soft nocturne began playing from inside. She heard the Count sigh and looked over at him.
“Does something vex you my lord?” she asked, a small smile curling the corners of her lips slightly.
“No, nothing vexes me. It’s just that when you looked up at the sky and I looked into your eyes, it looked as though the entire sky was contained in your eyes, and they shimmered like diamonds,” he said pulling her to him and putting his arms around her and holding her tightly against him.

[Valeera Van Helsing]

Part IV

And you still have all of me.
“Ah, I wish that this could last forever,” Valeera said, putting her arms around Dracula and laying her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing.
“It can last forever,” he said, pulling back from the embrace. “If you want it to, it can,” he said, looking into her eyes which again seem to hold the star – filled sky.
“How; how can it last forever? I am a mere mortal; my years are short, and I will pass away from this world,” she said, sighing heavily.
“I could give you the gift of immortality, and you and I could spend eternity together. I have been alone for too long now; I have not had a woman by my side since the tragic murder of my brides. You are the first woman to touch me in a way that not even my brides could. When I’m with you, everything seems right, and I want that feeling forever, and I want you forever,” he said bringing his hand up and caressing her cheek. Valeera listened as Dracula poured his heart out to her, and she knew that she felt the same way, but what about those back home. She sighed softly before speaking, and the Count could tell immediately that what she had to say was not going to end happy.
“I feel the same about you. You touch me and make me feel like none of the suitors that have courted me ever could. Your kisses ignite raging flames of passion within me, and your touch sends me soaring to heights like I’ve never known. But, I can’t stay here forever. My father would never approve,” she said as she turned to walk away, knowing for sure that she’d hurt Dracula beyond retribution.
“I love you, Valeera,” he said reaching out and grabbing her arm, turning her back towards him. He locked eyes with her, making sure he had her full attention. “I love you, and now that I’ve held you and kissed you, I never want to be without you. If you leave, I will surely die because I will ultimately lose my will to live. As I said, you have touched me in a way that not even my brides could, and that touch had become embedded within the very deepest recesses of my soul. To leave me now would be my undoing.”
The Count’s words hit Valeera with an unfathomable force. Tears welled in her eyes and fell down her cheeks. Dracula stood before her, still holding to her as if afraid to let go for fear that she would turn and run away. But, she wouldn’t; she couldn’t. Dracula’s words had made her decision for her, because like him, she knew that if she left and was without him, she would also lose her own will to live, and she suddenly realized that in the few days that they’d been together, she and Dracula had become inseparable. Valeera fell into Dracula’s arms, wrapping her own around his neck, never wanting to let go. Tears flowed freely and emotions ran amuck.
“Take me; make me immortal so that I may live with you for all eternity,” she whispered softly. Valeera heard a soft growl and felt Dracula tighten his arm around her. Suddenly, he sank his fangs deep into her neck, making her cry out, but she quickly became silent from the comfort she felt in his arms. Valeera felt herself becoming lightheaded, and she could feel the Count slowly lowering himself and her to the floor as he felt her growing weak. He then took his fangs from her neck, using them to cut his wrist which he lowered to her lips. As his blood flowed over her lips and into her mouth, she felt herself beginning to change. Her blood ran cold, and she could feel an insurmountable strength growing within her. He slowly removed his wrist from her lips, but continued to hold her until she sat up and looked at him. She now looked at the world in a new perspective as if she were a newborn child seeing the world for the first time.
Dracula took her arm and stood slowly helping her to stand. She was a bit shaky but only at first. After a moment, it was as if she had been a vampire all her life as she took to her new body quickly. The two of them walked back into the ballroom, and the other vampires welcomed her warmly, greeting her as they had Dracula when she and he had first entered. She was one of them, and because she was Dracula’s bride, they would have a certain respect for her as they did Dracula.



After sending out a search party to find Valeera, her father, Gabriel, would receive the letter telling him what had happened to her. It would tell him that she was fine and to not worry. She’d found the perfect husband and that they’d had a private wedding with just her, her husband, and a priest. The letter would never mention that she was now the bride of her father’s most hated enemy or that she had now become the one thing that he now hunted so passionately. The letter also would never mention her location, saying only that she was happy where she was and that, once again, she would be fine and not to worry. Valeera signed with much love and her name. Her father never found her, but he never forgot her either, and he never would.