Chapter Text
You stare up at the castle before you. The size of it was even more impressive than from a distance, and that was saying something. Castle Dimitrescu had always been a place of horror for the townspeople, never daring to go near it unless explicitly told to. You had heard the stories in the short time that you had been in the village.
Being a historian, you had traveled to the village on a vacation of sorts. Well…for you it was a vacation. For the normal rabble it would be considered unnecessary work. Who would want to travel somewhere so remote with nothing to do, and an urban legend that seemed laughable to anyone that lived outside the area.
But you knew better. Local myths and legends always had some basis in the truth, and you knew that the village and its history with Castle Dimitrescu was no different. You just didn't know how different…yet.
The townsfolk had been thoroughly baffled by you when you arrived asking questions about the castle. The majority of them looked at you like you had a death wish, before promptly deciding that you were a bad omen and gave you a wide berth.
You shrugged it off. You came because of the history of the castle and the urban legends around it. Looking into the truth of such things was a sort of hobby for you. After all, knowledge is power.
You thought back on the one person in the village that didn't shy away from you as soon as you mentioned your interest in the castle.
"Why hello there, dear, you aren't from around here," an old, raspy voice stated next to you.
You had been admiring the tombstones in the cemetery, getting what history you could off the generations that had lived there. You turned at the sound of the voice, eyes falling lower to the old woman.
Your eyebrows rose as you looked her over.
She was shorter than yourself, with grey eyes that crinkled with amusement as she eyed you up and down. She wore a black, hooded cloak and had a wooden staff that had a few skulls on it.
You immediately liked the old witch.
"May the light of Mother Miranda bless you," you had said in greeting. You had uncovered the figure in some old texts—texts that spoke of a deity named Mother Miranda who had protected the village for centuries. The greeting was one that you had picked up on from hearing the villagers speak.
The old woman's surprise was evident on her face for a moment before she let out a loud raspy laugh. "In life and death, we give glory, Mother Miranda," she replied.
She had fixed you with a stare then that you were sure the townspeople would find unsettling. But for you, this was normal. In fact, your retirement dream was to be the old witch of an area that would say vague things to cause just a touch of fear for your own amusement.
"What brings you to this village?" the old woman asked as she sat down on a nearby bench, her eyes never leaving yours.
"Vacation," you replied simply.
The old woman merely gave you a queer look.
"I'm a historian and I love to research urban legends and myths as a hobby. I came across this place during some research and wanted to come and experience it in person."
The old women chuckled. "Did you ever think that there was truth to those tales?"
You smiled wryly. "That's exactly why I came. There's always truth in them, and I wanted to see what it was."
"You may have bitten off more than you can chew," the old woman replied.
You shrugged. "That is a risk I'm willing to take. After all, who isn't intrigued by vampires."
The old witch had cocked her head to the side, eyeing you with something akin to fondness. "Well, my dear, then I hope you find exactly what you hope for. I would tell you to stay away from the castle, but considering why you're here that isn't something you would listen to."
You shook your head. "Not at all."
Another amused cackle left her lips. "Well, if you survive perhaps I will see you around." She stood, a soft groan leaving her as she shifted her weight on the staff. "I think she might like you."
You watched her walk to the exit of the cemetery. You didn't bother asking who she was referring to, knowing you probably wouldn't get an answer anyway. Typically if an old witchy woman says something like that as a parting thought, it's only meant to make you think.
She had released a cackle as she disappeared, and you got the strange feeling she knew what you were thinking.
So now, here you were, staring up at the looming castle before you. You were sure you weren't going to get inside but you figured that walking the castle grounds wouldn't hurt. You were always fond of castles. The architecture made you feel like you were in the presence of gods instead of nobility.
You took your time strolling along the outer walls, enjoying the immense layout of it. It was a marvel really—built into the side of a part of the mountain that surrounded the village. You pulled your jacket around you a little tighter as the air picked up. Dusk was on the horizon and you figured you should start heading back to the inn so you wouldn't lose your way in the darkness.
You made your way back to the front of the castle, ready to head down the steps when the large doors groaned. Stopping in your tracks, you turned around and eyed the crack in the door that had appeared.
Your rational side said to run back to the village—doors that seemingly opened on their own was an immediate no…but the curiosity was getting the better of you…and you had come here to investigate the legends. What better way to do so than to go straight to the source? Especially since the locals refused to answer any of your questions. Your chat with the old woman was the longest conversation you'd had since arriving two days ago.
"Fuck it," you muttered as you headed to the doors, pushing the one open more so you could enter.
You closed the door behind you and sighed as the warmth of the castle enveloped you. You hadn't realized how cold it was outside until you were out of the chill.
You were standing in the foyer and could see three options before you. You could go straight, left, or right. But, you also were not a guest here and were essentially trespassing so you stayed where you were and waited.
As silence met you, you decided to reach out. "Hello?" you called to the empty room.
An annoying buzzing resounded by your ear and you swatted your hand instinctively. It disappeared, but only for a moment—then it returned in a loud wave.
A buzzing swarm entered the room, followed by another from a different way, and then finally a third. A gasp escaped your lips when the swarms began to materialize in the form of three women in black, hooded dresses.
Their mouths were smeared with blood and you mentally checked vampires off your list from the legends. Guess they got that right, you thought to yourself.
The existence of vampiric beings wasn't shocking to you in the least. You'd read enough lore to believe there were supernatural things beyond what science could explain, and had made your peace with it.
"Fresh prey," the one said as her head tilted back, sniffing the air.
"She smells delicious. It's been ages since we had a maiden wander in on her own," one of the others commented with a giggle.
"We should present her to mother first, sisters," the last one spoke, coming to step forward.
Ah, the eldest.
Suddenly, each woman unsheathed a sickle blade.
Your eyes widened and they all laughed with glee at the fear that was surely on your face. Steeling yourself, a breath escaped you before you stepped forward, giving them pause.
"If you wish to present me to your mother, you have no need for those. I'll go willingly," you told them.
They shared a look, clearly thrown off by your willingness.
The middle child, or at least you assumed as much, eyed her eldest sister. Then her eyes fell back to you. "You aren't a local."
It was a statement, not a question, and you bobbed your head just to confirm her conclusion.
"Mother will definitely want to meet her," the eldest said. "Daniela, go and tell mother we have something for her."
The youngest sister disappeared in a swarm of flies.
"Follow," the eldest instructed as she turned her back to you and walked to the door directly in front of you.
You did as you were told, trying to ignore how close the middle sister was walking next to you. Personal space was clearly not a strong suit.
After a short walk down an elaborately decorated hallway, you were led into what you would describe as an elaborate living room with a staircase to your left, and a roaring fireplace on the right by two couches. Despite being elegant, it had a cozy atmosphere and you resisted the urge to chuckle at the thought.
The three of you came to a halt, and you could hear the sound of buzzing enter the room. The youngest, Daniela, came to fruition and waited next to her sisters. The door directly in front of you opened and the air left your lungs.
A large black brimmed hat appeared first, followed by two gloved hands that gripped the doorframe. This was when you realized that the figure had to bend over to fit through the doorway.
When she stepped through and straightened, any chance of breathing was long forgotten. Standing at…oh you estimated she had to be at least four feet taller than you—was an absolute goddess of a woman.
You felt your mouth open as you drank her in. Her skin was alabaster, reminding you of a statue, encased in a long cream colored dress that fell to brush the ground. The neckline was low, giving you a generous view of her cleavage. Your eyes trailed up, landing on red lips and golden eyes. Her hair was perfectly curled and pinned beneath the hat and you found yourself wondering what it would feel like under your fingertips.
"Holy. Fuck."
All eyes fell on you and you suddenly realized you had spoken out loud.
The goddess before you arched an eyebrow as her lip twitched upward just for a moment—so quick that if you weren't completely enamored with her beauty you would have missed it.
"Well well. Who do we have here?" the woman asked and you felt a delighted shiver travel down your spine.
Her voice was warm, and as elegant as her. You were sure you could listen to her speak for hours and never grow tired of it.
"We saw her walking the grounds and opened the door…she came in all her own," the eldest spoke.
The woman hummed, eyes travelling over you and taking in every detail. You fought the urge to shrink under her intense gaze.
"Is that so, Bela," the woman replied. "Well, dear, welcome to Castle Dimitrescu. I am Lady Dimitrescu, the head of the house. You've already met my daughters; Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela."
This seemed to snap you out of your fixation on her and you shook your head slightly to clear the haze.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Dimitrescu," you breathe out. You internally scold yourself for sounding so breathless, but you couldn't help it.
Lady Dimitrescu's eyes brightened at the formality of your greeting, and you could tell you had pleased her. The revelation sent a flood of warmth through your body and you suddenly felt too hot.
"My my, what manners," Lady Dimitrescu commented. "Tell me, you are not a native, yes?"
"I am not, my lady," you reply, clearly pleased that your manners were making an impression.
"Well that would explain why you were wandering around my castle. The locals know better than to come near here…" she trailed off and you knew the weight of that statement.
So far the truth of the region's legends were proving to check out.
"I'm aware of what the locals say of this place, my lady," you inform her.
Her eyebrows rise high, clearly not having expected someone so willing to trespass while knowing the legends.
"You've been so polite and I seem to have forgotten my own manners," Lady Dimitrescu stated, taking a few steps forward to the couch and sitting down on it. "Please, sit…?"
"Y/N," you supply, realizing she had asked your name. You walked around the couch opposite of her and carefully took a seat.
The three daughters took seats near their mother, watching you with piqued interest and a look that you're pretty sure is hunger. You want to make sure you stay off their menu, having a feeling that they're a bit…not as in control as their mother.
"Y/N," Lady Dimitrescu says, rolling the name around on her tongue. "Not a local but one who knows of the legends, and still foolishly entered my castle…I must admit I am intrigued." She gives you another once over. "What are you doing here?" She leaned forward slightly, her hand wrapping around the teacup on the table with deft fingers and bringing it to her lips.
Again you forgot how to breathe. For a moment you wonder if she has a way of manipulating you into feeling this way...but then you just concede that the imminent threat of her just made it all the more exciting.
Suddenly you remembered she asked you a question. "I'm a historian and I have always had an interest in urban legends and myths of various regions, especially those pertaining to the supernatural. I've always believed there is some truth to the legends, otherwise how else would they start? I had come across this village's history during an impromptu research session and became transfixed. I needed to see it for myself," you explain. "My lady," you add as an afterthought, wanting to make sure your manners stay in place.
"I see," she murmured. "And, pray tell, what did these books have to say about the legends here?"
You can feel your eyes brighten. "Well, for one the legends say that a vampire lives in the castle and has, for decades, taken maidens from the village to consume their blood. As all these missing maidens had never been seen again. There's some lore as well about werewolves roaming the woods of the village, bizarre lake creatures, and general creepiness surrounding the area. It is Romania after all. But what fascinated me was that the legends say that the vampire in the castle has only been seen from a distance, with the castle alight showing someone…or something, has been living here," you whisper the last bit dangerously and take delight in her obvious enjoyment. "I thought it fascinating that there was this lore and wanted to see what the townspeople thought, for myself. I also did research into your wine business and found that there is a particular bottle of reserve called Sanguis Virginis. Personally I thought that, at first, it was just something that was made to draw off the local legend...which isn't a bad business model...but after reading more and now seeing you for myself...I'm guessing that it is infused with virgin blood. I also noticed that you can't seem to find a bottle of it in any of the shops here, but there are other available ones. I even inquired about it but...well...I'm sure you can imagine how that went..." you trailed off, realizing you'd been rambling for a while. You have a tendency to do that, especially when you're passionate about something.
"And here you are," Lady Dimitrescu stated, clearly enjoying your tale. Her mouth was turned up in an amused smile and there was a twinkle in her eye.
You didn't fail to notice the look the three daughters shared with each other after they saw the expression on their mother's face, either.
You smile. "Here I am. I am…not disappointed. I am surprised though that no one mentioned that the lady of the castle was…well, so tall and beautiful." You release a cough to cover your embarrassment at the statement. "Or that you had three daughters. And, well, I've always been fascinated by vampires."
Lady Dimitrescu hummed appreciatively, her eyes raking over you. You chanced a glance to the daughters—all of which were eyeing you curiously as if you were some puzzle they couldn't figure out.
"You aren't terrified…even when confronted with what is right before your eyes to be true…" she trailed off.
"I mean…at the moment I'm just so thrilled that I was right and there was truth to the legends. It's…well it's amazing," you answer honestly.
"Hold out your hand," Lady Dimitrescu commanded suddenly.
You complied as soon as the words left her mouth. You don't dare to question her, knowing it probably wouldn't do any good.
This also seems to please her—your total willingness to comply.
"Good girl," she purred.
Oh shit. You weren't submissive by any stretch but...when a tall, beautiful woman praises you, you aren't going to complain.
She leaned forward and reached out, taking your small arm in her much larger hand. Her eyes flickered over your face for just a moment. The hand that held your own shifted slightly, and you watched with fascination as her thumbnail grew a little. She carefully, and expertly, cut across your wrist and then her head bowed—lips pressed against your flesh as she sucked.
Your soft moan echoed in the otherwise silent room, and it sounded loud to your own ears. You'd be embarrassed if it didn't send a pool of heat directly to your center.
"Mmm," Lady Dimitrescu hummed appreciatively, "you taste divine. Not a virgin…but not sullied either…am I correct that you only have slept with women?"
You can't deny you're impressed with her quick deduction and how she could know that just from tasting your blood. You also are desperately trying to not pass out from how erotic it was.
She bowed her head just a touch and licked over the wound, sealing the cut and sending another wave of desire through you.
Let's be honest, who wouldn't go absolutely feral for a tall, milf vampire. You'd always been attracted to older women…why should a centuries old vampire be any different.
"Yes," you reply, your own voice sounding far away to your own ears.
"You are…quite an interesting thing, pet," she muses. Lady Dimitrescu turned her head to gaze at her daughters. "What do you think of our guest?"
"She's different than the others," Cassandra spoke, her eyes looking you over. "I don't like that she's not afraid of us."
"I am," you say immediately, capturing their attention. "Believe me, this is terrifying...but I don't currently feel like I am in immediate danger."
"What's it like outside of the village?" Daniela asked suddenly. Her eyes a little wide as she waits.
Your brow crinkled for a moment. "You've never been outside of the village?"
"If the temperature is too cold...my daughters have a hard time with the elements. They are...limited in where they can venture," Lady Dimitrescu supplied.
You nod in understanding, even though you don't fully. "It's...big. There are so many things in the world. So many places to go, people to see, you could spend a whole mortal life traveling everywhere and still never see everything."
"Are there many men?" Cassandra asked.
As soon as she asked, you caught the slight scowl that graced Lady Dimitrescu's features—and the immediate intrigue of Bela and Daniela.
"There are too many if you ask me," you reply. "Society pretty much revolves around them and caters to them. Many of them think they can do or say whatever they please without any repercussions...and in a lot of places, unfortunately, they can and do. It's...barbaric." Your eyes shift to Lady Dimitrescu. "I'd much prefer society to be matriarchal but..."
"On that we are agreed," Lady Dimitrescu replied. "Girls, you can ask our guest more questions later...if she would be so inclined to stay?"
Your eyes widened in shock. "S-stay?" Then, they shifted to the daughters, who were all looking at their mother with surprise.
Glad to see I'm not the only one thrown…I don't know if that's good or bad.
"Yes. Stay. You said you came to learn about the legends and you can see they are true. If you would wish to learn more, you're welcome to stay here in the castle with us. We will see how long you can stand to be around our...appetites. I give you my word that no harm shall come to you." Her eyes shifted to her daughters. "Is that clear?"
"Yes, mother," came the synchronized reply.
"Well?" Lady Dimitrescu asked. Her golden eyes held your blue.
"I-yes, yes absolutely," you say quickly. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and you weren't going to let it just pass you by. "Thank you so much, Lady Dimitrescu."
She offered you a satisfied smile. "Excellent. I will let the staff know and have them ready a room for you. In the meantime, if you wish to procure your belongings..."
You nod your agreement immediately. The fear you had before dissipated to just a niggling in the back of your head. You were still prey in the lions' den, but for the time being the lions wouldn't eat you...
Well, there was one you wouldn't mind eating you.
You could feel the heat rise to your cheeks and caught the faintest smirk from the lady of the castle. You stood quickly, suddenly realizing that you were definitely wetter than you were when you came into the castle.
Your eyes made contact with Lady Dimitrescu and you watched as her pupils dilated slightly as they flickered down to the apex of your thighs. It was then that you realized she could probably smell you.
"I'll go and collect my things then," you say quickly before turning on your heel and walking back the way you originally came.
As soon as you stepped outside into the chilled air you breathed a sigh of relief. The cold was needed to get your libido under control. You had just met the woman and she was being incredibly kind by allowing you to stay there and conduct your research, and here you were lusting after her.
You groaned, ashamed of yourself and trudged down the steps toward the village.
You pondered over why she was allowing you stay. By the sounds of it, previous maidens that wandered in—no doubt the door was a trap designed by the daughters—were definitely eaten immediately. What was different about you? Was it because you were a foreigner? Or was it because you had a genuine interest in the inhabitants of the castle?
The walk to the inn didn't take long, and the streets were completely deserted now that it was dark. Once inside you informed the clerk you'd be checking out. They seemed to think you finally came to your senses and were leaving altogether...as the village wasn't fond of outsiders at all...but was completely shocked to learn you'd be residing in the castle for the rest of your stay at the request of Lady Dimitrescu.
On the return, you felt as if you were being watched, so you stopped and listened. Then you heard the faint sound of shuffling.
"Checking up on me?" you ask, turning to see the old woman appearing from thin air it seemed.
"Indeed," she replied easily, a smile on her face. "I see she liked you."
You nod, a blush coating your cheeks.
The old woman cackled. "It seems the feeling is mutual."
You opened your mouth to protest but the old woman raised a finger and tutted.
"Ah ah. It's no use lying to me, dear, I can see it written on your face. Lady Dimitrescu is indeed beautiful, and intelligent." The old woman said nothing further, instead she began walking up the stairs that led the rest of the way to the castle. "Come on then."
You realized then that the woman seemed to know the Lady.
"You know Lady Dimitrescu?"
The old woman nodded slowly. "You don't live as long as I have without having met her."
She said it with such finality that you thought it best to not ask further about it, unless she provided the information.
"What are you doing out this late? I thought it wasn't safe to venture out past dark," you ask, switching the subject as you walked.
"You're doing it," the woman retorted pointedly.
Okay fair enough. "Well, you live here and know the legends to be true...doesn't that scare you at all?"
The old woman cackled. "Oh if you only knew."
Your brow furrowed. Somehow you got the feeling she wasn't talking about what you had asked.
"Here you are," she said as you arrived outside of the castle doors. "I am sure I will see you around, dear, that is if you aren't eaten. Mind your manners."
Then she turned around and headed down the way you had come.
"May Mother Miranda protect you...even though I have a feeling you don't need it," you say to her retreating form, a smile on your face.
The old woman let loose another joyous laugh. "Oh she will, dear, she will."
You shook your head with a laugh. So far the only people that seemed to be willing to talk to you were the ones that were given a wide berth by the masses.
You turned back to the castle doors, feeling a weird sense of belonging overcoming you as you touched the handle and entered.