Chapter 1
It had been his first time venturing outside of the country and exploring someplace foreign and very very different. His best friend had been begging for weeks to sign up for this show that if you could spend the week in a haunted castle you could win a million dollars, at first they signed up just for kicks but who would have ever expected for the phone to ring in their cozy little four bedroom house and then a crew showing up the next day with balloons and cameras telling them they are the lucky winners and just like that whisked off to stay in the beautiful country of Transylvania to visit The castle of a famous legendary Vampire that wrecked havoc upon the land and was the reasoning behind the famous horror movies and books.
The plane ride had been amazing as they were not only first class but aside from the flight attendants and captain they were the only two aboard and relaxed on comfortable chairs that reclined into beds and dined on sumptuous seafood and steaks, desserts that were mouthwatering and sweet crisp champagne. It was a 9'hour flight and when they arrived at the bustling airport Wei Ying wanted nothing more than to drop his body inside a hot bath and climb under thick warm blankets and go to sleep.
The hotel was like a fairytale with grand chandeliers and romantic bright lights, very regal Victorian styles furniture and their rooms were fit for a king and queen with a bed that was big enough for at least ten people and thick gold curtains that hung down from the ceiling to the floor and when untied they closed around the entire bed. The bathroom had a walk in tub that was more like a miniature pool with beautiful pink and red roses floating in white sweet scented milky waters.
After the bath Wei Ying wrapped a soft red robe around his body and used a plush white towel to dry his long waist length jet black hair, there was a soft knock at the door and he walked over thinking it must be his best friend wen Ning playing tricks, the door opened to reveal a very handsome young man that stood about 6'2 dressed In a brown and gold uniform of tail coat and trousers with gold colored shirt, his hair was cropped short and hung past his ears black as midnight and he had friendly blue eyes that danced as he smiled handsomely!
" Good evening madam! On courtesy of the hotel and for your stay my name is Adam and I was ordered to bring fine delicacies for your pleasure as well as our customary wine
"Fetească wine"
Wei Ying was a little embarrassed at being called madam and could not stop his face from blooming red, he quickly thanked Adam and turned to close the door before he felt a soft hand touch his, " yes is there anything else?"
" but of course is madam should like to venture around our beautiful country I can assist in providing a guide for you and Mr?"
" Ah no actually I am a Mr and I don't have a Mr just my best friend"
Wei Ying blushes again at the shocked face of Adam whose eyes widened after the realization of his words.
" oi me I'm s-so very s-sorry Young sir, it's just that, that"
Before he could finish Wei Ying chuckled about shifting the tray in his arms.
" I look like a woman? It's ok I get that a lot!"
Adam smiles flashing a beautiful smile before blushing in return.
" but young sir is very beautiful!"
He mumbled softly before bowing lightly," I apologize again as I did not mean to hold you up!"
He pointed towards the tray in his arms, " thank you Adam and should we Like to sight see I will take you up on that offer!"
He smiled just as Wen Ning stood next to the door grinning like some mad man, Adam nodded to Wen Ning and turned to walk back down the hall, Wen Ning watched him walk away and was pulled in the room before he could even utter what was in his mischievous mind! It was no wonder the two hit it off as best friends because both had similar naughty personalities except Wei Ying was the more rational of the two.
" ummmm Hmmmm found ourselves a lover have we?"
Wen Ning flopped down on the large red velvet chair popping a huge black grape in his mouth while tossing a leg over the arm.
He wiggles his eyebrows watching Wei Ying pour two glasses of wine shamelessly, nibbling on some very sharp white cheese that paired nicely with that grape he sits up taking the glass of wine and swirling it around to allow it to breathe a little before taking a sip. He winces a little once it hits his tongue at the bitterness but appreciates the floral notes and how it goes down his throat smoothly.
" So I managed to slink downstairs and got a little information out of a few people in the lobby! Apparently there is a huge superstition of vampires and the undead and was given so many cruciforms I can start my own little personal monastery!"
Wei Ying giggles reaching for a little dried date while snuggling on the red velvet couch, he took a sip
Of his wine and closed his eyes savoring the taste. He finally mellowed out after that very long flight and the hustle bustle of making their way to the hotel.
" Well it should not be that surprising to you, after all we practice cultivation!"
They lifted their glasses and clinked them together in cheers. After Wen Ning left Wei Ying stood by the long glass window gazing out at the beautiful lights on the streets below, it was about 6:20 pm and the sun was making it's way setting beyond the horizon. He could see the brightly colored outfits of the traditional attire mixed with the modern youths who zipped by holding cells phones, talking into their watches or tapping on iPads in designer clothing.
It was beautiful as well as the exotic smells of spices such as paprika, saffron and nutmeg. The air felt richer and thicker mixed with the fresh mountain scent and large massive trees. He had a longing desire to explore the unbeaten paths through heavy forested areas and gazing upon the night ruins of ancient castles.
Just as he was thinking he felt a cold shudder down his spine, he froze in place feeling the hairs standing on the back of his neck and he quickly scanned around his room. That feeling was strange, he was not frightened at all because back home they dealt with the supernatural with his side job as a cultivator assisting people plagued with evil spirits and demons. Majority of his time was spent at the university as a bio chemist major and the remaining percent was helping his father run the company business. He was a very prestigious chairmen and CEO of Wei enterprises that specialized in construction, hotels and real estate.
To his fathers dislike he rather preferred walking the path of cultivation than sitting behind a stuffy desk all day carrying the burden of over 300,000 employees on his shoulders.
Wei Ying shrugged it off taking one last glance down at the people and lights below before closing the curtains and going to bed totally unaware of the red glowing eyes watching him from the shadows in the night.
The day was bright and after a very filling grand breakfast and afternoon high tea with so many petit fours and desserts he was finally happy to trek off in the minivan making their way across rugged roads through the countryside. The driver chatted away about each territory they passed and the history of the land and people and wen Ning snapped a million pictures keeping count of how many roadside shrines and crosses we passed on the way. After having counted at what he felt was close to 100 he blurted out excitedly and asked the driver about it who in turn became very pale crossed himself and clamped his lips shut.
Wei Ying and Wen Ning looked at each other with surprised looks and continued gazing out the window waving at the gentle yet curious faces as they passed by.
They arrived to Bran Castle aka Dracula's castle and was immediately taken aback by the sheer beauty of it. Wei Ying could imagine the elegant dances and finely dressed people enjoying elaborate and romantic times as well as a beautiful princess or queen and the dashing prince or king whose handsomeness left the people in awe.
The Executive Director for the show was patiently waiting outside the front entrance of the castle and approached the group with a huge smile and outstretched hand, " Hello and nice to meet you my name is Tom Jenkins and I want to thank you for coming on our show and welcome you to Bran Castle. I will be your guide for the day and get you familiar with what exactly is required, we have provided everything to suit your needs from internet and phone service, attendants around the clock a full medic team and of course personal hygiene and bedding. How the show works is once sunset arrives you will be on your own and then the attendants and staff will arrive in the morning at sunrise".
"If you can last the week the million dollars is your but! We have decided to up the stakes and make that 2 million dollars! Does that sound like something you can do?"
Wei Ying and Wen Ning nodded in agreement smiling foolishly to be followed by tom's giant laugh, they entered the castle and sat to sign the paperwork then took a tour which lasted about an hour and a half. They met back in the dining area and sat down for lunch, the menu consisted of :
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls) ...
Mămăligă (Polenta) ...
Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls) ...
Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tripe Soup) ...
Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig) ...
Jumări (Greaves) ...
Cozonac (Sweet Bread) ...
Drob de miel (Lamb Drob)
So much delicious food they were stuffed and had no room for dessert, after lunch Tom bid them good bye and the two were shown to their rooms which were on separate ends of the third level of the castle. Oddly enough Wei Ying was placed in the Queen's quarters and Wen Ning was placed in the young princes quarters, the King's quarters much to his dislike was located on the fourth floor and off limits to anyone per strict instructions by the current owner of the castle who would eventually make his appearance to meet the two new occupants.
" Blech!! Wen Ning pretended to puke, " I would have much preferred everything white or all black!" His room was done in blue and yellow.
"Well at least your room is lively, I mean I love black and red but it feels, it feels ummm so"
" Dark!"
Wen Ning finished Wei Ying's statement before laughing flopping on the huge bed.
" Yes exactly!" He glanced around the room feeling a small little shiver all over his body.
" hmmm let's head back downstairs for some tea and check out the grand study!"
He nodded in agreement as they made their way back down to the first floor, they were greeted with warm smiles of the head mistress who was a dark haired beauty with extremely pale skin and dark brown eyes. She had a very robust and full curvy figure that was perfectly proportioned and those long lashes flicked constantly at Wen Ning revealing pretty white sharp teeth. To sharp for Wei Ying's taste!
" would the master's like to enjoy some hot tea, dinner is being prepared and will done shortly! I have taken the liberty to set out dining clothes as I presume the Lord of the Castle is schedule to appear this evening to meet you both!"
They smiled before sitting in comfortable leather black chairs in front of a massive fireplace that heats the room quite nicely. Wei Ying was entranced by the flames of the fire listening to the soft humming of Wen Ning as he pulled several books from the side shelves and recited the names of their titles. He was thoroughly enjoying this vacation and peace but all of a sudden he got a sudden feeling of dread, that made is stomach feel a little nauseous. He reached and set his cup Down with a loud clink startling Wen Ning.
" Are you alright!"
He looked worried as he set the book down and walked closer feeling Wei Ying's forehead.
" Hmm I don't know I suddenly felt ill for a moment, I think it's maybe the fatigue still from the flight!"
" why don't you go and rest for a while
And I will wake you up before dinner yeah? That will give me time to speak to the head mistress!"
He winked his eyes in which Wei Ying laughed before heading back to his room.
