ANSBACH´S BEAST

Ansbach, Germany 1885

The chronicles of legends often resemble an epic tale in which truth and lies seem alike the fruit of popular invention. In Cardiff Castle, Victorian Gothic with colorful interiors, erected on the remains of Norman and Roman ruins, where a very graceful young Countess lived, with long hair and large green eyes. Her name was Emma from Cardiff, her favorite distraction was listening to her father, the Earl of Cardiff, recount his folk tales and fables from the villages with something to tell, mostly horror tales. Since she was little, she loved listening to her father's horror stories. On one occasion, she told a particularly chilling story that the young woman had been struck by powerfully and I swear that when she was older she would visit that region of Europe to see for herself. The story told the story of a werewolf who raged in terror in the small town of Ansbach, Germany. And so she did, when she came of age at twenty-one, Emma from Cardiff with her best friend, Miss Candice Wesley, a family friend, Professor Edward Hawking and they went to the German town of Ansbach, to learn more about the story his father told him ten years ago. A train took them to the central station of Nuremberg, where they took a carriage to reach that secluded place. The carriage was from the 1884 Landaulett Nline Engraving house, relatively new for the time. It was clad in a black casing, two doors, metal wheels, which were stronger than the old wooden ones, and two headlights on either side of the windows. The chariot had two strong and experienced black horses that pulled it very efficiently. The Countess was sitting next to her friend Candice Wesley, who kept emphasizing how wonderfully mysterious the German countryside was. They were both traveling with their good friend Mr. Edward Hawking. He had taught at Oxford University for twenty-five years, but in turn was hired to be a private teacher for Countess Emma Cardiff when she was only seven years old, shortly after losing her father, the Earl of Cardiff for kidney failure.

Mr. Hawking had been retired for several years, but that did not prevent him from enjoying his favorite hobbies such as mystery literature, playing golf, and studying occult and esoteric sciences. He had a gray beard and bushy eyebrows, his wrinkled and leathery complexion over the years, gave him an elegant and cultured demeanor. He was a science teacher in his youth and graduated in philosophy, but his great passion was the occult, esotericism and witchcraft, only theoretical. Quite the opposite of Countess Cardiff, who at twenty-two was still a wild, innocent and dreamy girl. Her long blonde hair was tied up in an elegant bun, crossed by safety pins that helped to hold her elegant hairstyle. She was a girl who liked to discuss unusual matters and loved to be opposed to her best friend Candice, who could talk to her about any political, religious or cultural issue, topic or ideology of the time. She was a very diligent woman in her studies and with great concern about mysterious and eschatological subjects, something she shared with her friend and her teacher, Mr. Hawking. They both had long talks on topics of paganism and ancient rites of Celtic civilizations. Candice's ideas about life were simpler and easier, like shopping and expensive jewelry, but she also shared her fondness for the mysterious, but to a lesser extent. Emma of Cardiff had inherited the great fortune of the family and that allowed her to live comfortably with her mother, with whom they did not have the best relationship, the Earl of Cardiff was always the one who was closest to her daughter. Gossip from the court service said she was having an affair with a senator, but such rumors could never be proven.

The history that led them to make this trip was the mysticism that it possessed and a highly suggestive mythology, with certain elements such as the silver cross, the Mayenza cross, a silver dagger in the shape of an Egyptian crucifix. Legend has it that the Countess d'Arvulla nailed that same dagger into her husband's heart when he became a werewolf and tried to assassinate her, in the same ritual that both of them were performing on that same fatal night, that legend fascinated her. Emma, ​​since her father introduced her to her.

‒Shouldn't we have come to town? ̶ Emma asked impatiently. –Soon it will be dark and staying lost on these roads does not make me happy. ̶ Emma continued.

‒I'm sure it won't take too long, Countess. Mr. Hawking answered.

It was dark when Countess Cardiff's carriage arrived at the mansion, which had previously been rented from her property, Mr. Johann Friedrich Encke. What they did not know is that they would have to share the luxurious house with someone else who had lived there for months. The mansion was located a few kilometers from the monastery, where the legend of the werewolf takes place. The man who occupied the house was called Paul von Wittgenstein, who, seeing the carriage, prepared to receive the new guests. Mr. Von Wittgenstein cordially introduced himself to the Countess and her friends, welcoming them to the mansion where they would share a stay for a week. Johann said goodbye to his tenants wishing them a happy stay, since he lived with his wife and children in the town and the mansion used it only for rent, where he acquired great financial help for it. Once a week Johann brought provisions to the different people who rented the house, since it was twenty miles outside of town. The mansion had stables for the horses, a carriage for emergencies and everything necessary so that the stay in the house would be comfortable and comfortable. That same night they all gathered at the same table for dinner, where Emma and her friends tasted delicious food, typical of the region. They talked in an interesting and long after-dinner to get to know each other better and exchange points of view on different topics of conversation:

‒Among other things I am writing an essay on Gothic monuments and old stories and myths of the town. Perhaps you have observed an old monastery in the course of your trip, I personally consider that it is a jewel of architecture. Here in the center of Germany it is difficult to find practically unknown ruins ‒ said Mr. Paul von Wittgenstein.

‒Are you planning to publish your work here in Germany? Candice asked.

-No not yet. It's a booklet for the University of Cologne, ‒said Mr Von Wittgenstein.

‒As my friends and I have told you, we are preparing our thesis, for that reason we are here, I think you could help us, since you know this region of the country so well, ‒said Emma Cardiff.

‒I will do it with great pleasure, Countess. Claimed Paul von Wittgenstein.

‒Oh, please stop being formal, call me Emma, ‒he pointed out with a smile.

‒As you like, Miss Emma, ‒Paul said, inclining his head slightly in agreement. And what do they want to know? If it is not indiscretion. Paul pointed out.

‒We are looking for the grave of a famous witch. Countess Orsolya d´Arvulla dedicated to black magic, who murdered her husband trying to help him, after becoming a werewolf. Have you heard of her?

With the look on his face puzzled after hearing those words, Paul found that story strangely familiar, and he could not hide his feelings of amazement and dread as of someone who had just seen a ghost. The two friends with Mr. Hawking looked at each other in surprise at Paul's reaction. Old stimuli in his mind seemed to wake up. The name of the Countess d'Arvulla was strangely familiar to him, hence he was so strange and thoughtful at that moment, he did not resign himself to letting those words come to life in his memory. He feared that there was some direct connection with the d´arvulla and that legend and he did not know it. He continued by saying Emma:

‒The day of the blind moon, ‒he said hesitantly.

A gust of wind opened the windows assuming the ladies, after this Mr. Hawking proposed to retire to rest:

Ladies, why don't we leave Mr. Von Wittgenstein alone and retire to rest? Today has been a very long day of travel. Hawking suggested, inviting the ladies to leave Paul alone, given the somewhat uncomfortable situation that was generated after the conversation they were having.

Emma got up from her chair and went to take a candlestick that was over the fireplace, while she suggestively invited her friend Candice to leave the table:

‒Candice, are we retiring? Emma asked her best friend.

‒Yes, with her permission. ‒She, replied immediately before rising from her chair and bidding Mr. von Wittgenstein good night.

He seemed to be clouded in his thoughts and did not seem to have heard anything, until a few moments later, just before they left through the door of the great hall, when the ladies turned to him saying good night:

‒Good evening, we'll talk in the morning, ‒Emma said as she walked through the door, holding a candelabrum in her hand.

Paul Von Wittgenstein rose from his chair and duly dismissed the sweet ladies and Mr. Hawking, still absorbing that conversation they had just had. Paul thoughtfully propped his pipe on the table, next to the silverware that took his place at the table, his gaze lost even after hearing the testimony of Countess Cardiff.

‒Are you okay, Mr. Wittgenstein? Hawking asked.

–Yes, it's nothing, I'll see you in the morning, thank you, have a rest –Paul affirmed a little strangely.

Mr. Hawking paused for a few moments in front of the door:

‒Well in that case I'll also retire, I have a pretty busy day tomorrow. Said Hawking

Paul, I gave a half smile to his comment, while he was still immersed in the thoughts of him.

Hawking climbed the stairs to the second floor where the bedrooms of the house were located. He paused to listen for a few moments in front of the door of Countess Cardiff's room, where he was sharing her with his friend Candice hers. He didn't knock on the door, because he didn't want to unnecessarily disturb his rest, so he retired to his room, which was at the end of the hall. The girls were getting ready for bed. Candice was coming out of the bathroom, dressed in her white lace nightgown. She did not hesitate to complain ironically about the condition in which he was:

‒I recommend that you don't go in there, you don't know how everything is. Tomorrow I will present my claims to the owner of the house. He said joking with her characteristic irony as Emma was fixing her hair in front of the mirror of her dressing table. ‒Aren't you going to bed? Tomorrow we have a long day ahead. I know that face, what's wrong with you? Candice continued, suspecting that her friend Emma was worried about something.

–We shouldn't have come," Emma Cardiff said, looking worried.

–Oh, you're always the same, you worry too much about nothing, –she said.

‒We've done something crazy staying here, I know what I'm saying. Emma stated.

–What other thing can we do? Candice said as she settled under the covers of her bed.

Emma, ​​on the other hand, was still sitting in front of the dresser, leaning with one arm on the back of the chair where she was sitting, looking at her friend with a worried face.

–You know what I think? That man, I suspect he is not telling the truth. He has told us nothing but lies all night. Quite strange things happen in this house. Have you noticed the toys that were near the fireplace? If I remember correctly, he told us that he lived alone in this mansión. –said Candice.

‒In the same way that does not explain anything, other families with children who have passed through may have left them. Emma said. ‒Did you notice his expression when I began to tell you about the Countess d'Arvulla? She almost passed out on her ‒ point.

‒Come on, Emma, ​​go to bed at once and don't imagine weird things. Candice stated.

‒I am convinced that he is the kind of person who helps his fellow men, I do not think that he is a monster that is going to do us anything bad. All you want is company and conversation, nothing more. Emma pointed out.

Candice turned off the chandelier she had on her nightstand.

‒I'm exhausted, good night Emma. ‒Candice said.

‒Good night Candice, have a rest.

Emma rose from her dressing table chair and headed toward the windows, raindrops hitting the glass, blown away by the strong wind. At that moment she took off her robe and went to her bed, where she lay down and wrapped herself in the sheets, like a scary little girl.

The next morning, as soon as the sun rose, the four of them went to visit the ruins of an old monastery, which was a few kilometers walking from the house. Upon reaching the monastery they separated in pairs to cover more land and be able to explore the place more thoroughly. Candice and old Professor Hawking decided to go down to the crypts, while Emma and her new friend Paul stayed and wandered around the outside.

‒Big game, deer and wild boar abound here… the old owner skinned the pieces in this place, ‒Paul pointed out.

–That sounds horrible, –Emma said. ‒Tell me more about yourself, where are you from? If you are married, where does your family come from? Emma asked.

‒I need to tell you something, yes, indeed I was married, and I have a son. His mother died giving birth and I have taken care of the child ever since. He was born with respiratory problems and with certain malformations in his body and face that are inexplicable. He is sick and lives with me in the mansion. I haven't told you anything because he didn't want to scare you or make you uncomfortable with –Paul pointed out when he was interrupted by the countess.

‒Say no more, I understand perfectly, I just wonder if you would let me meet him, I love children. ‒Emma affirmed excited about the idea of ​​meeting the little one.

‒He is nine years old, he lives in his room locked up because… ‒Paul said, keeping a dramatic pause when talking about his son, but he continued saying. ‒I don't want him to go out and get hurt, I don't want him to get lost any day in the forest and… I don't even want to think what would happen if… like I said he is sick. He has problems… ‒he said, unable to control his tears.

On the other hand, inside the sinister crypts, Candice and Hawking paced, certainly horrified by what they were seeing around them. There were many objects and shackles hanging from chains, attached to the stone walls that made up the "torture chambers" that would be the most appropriate definition to define that place. Certainly these objects and machinery had been used for the purpose of execution and torture, at the time of the European inquisition at the end of the seventeenth century, still with traces of dried blood embedded in the metals and chains that made up the mechanisms of those hideous machines, that were used against witches, heretics, etc…. In a way, those walls kept the echoes of the laments of those people who suffered the torture of the heartless inquisitors. The shadows danced to the incessant rhythm of the fire of the chandeliers, which illuminated the place of worship of pain. At that moment one of the shadows came to life and suddenly attacked Candice, being violently beaten by a deformed child. Soon the screams alerted Paul and Countess Emma who did not hesitate to go down to the crypts of the monastery to help their friend. Even old Hawking took a bite from the little monster when he tried to help his young friend. When Paul and Emma arrived, the boy fled quickly, while Candice was cared for by them. She was lying on the ground with her back scratched and her clothes torn, which were produced by the long nails of that deformed being. When they made it home, Paul carried Candice in her arms to her room, laid her gently on her bed, and Emma insisted that she take care of her healing. While Paul Von Wittgenstein went to his son's room, where he lay in distress curled up in a ball in a corner and very scared. His father closed the door of the room and tried to make him understand how important it was that he never leave his room again: ‒No one will hurt you son, but you have to understand that they are our last hope. ‒Paul said to his son, while he covered his face with his hands. ‒Nobody can see you again. Do you understand? He went on.

The boy tried to articulate some words that his father had taught him to communicate with him, between grunts and groans, he said to his father:

–But they were in the hiding place –he wanted them to leave, alone, from there –he said, vocalizing as best he could, while saliva came out of his mouth uncontrollably.

‒I know, I know but we must resist the temptation, or they will go to town, discover us and take you away from my son. You could have killed that girl... Don't worry they haven't discovered anything, everything is under control, everything is tightly closed, doors and windows. Son, promise me you won't run away again, –he said.

The boy just listened to his father and emitted little moans and gestured with his hands in a strange way. Somehow he wanted to indicate to her that he would never run away again. Paul always tried to be understanding with his son and not mistreat him in any way, although sometimes he felt guilty for having brought him into this world to suffer the curse that he himself carried. On the other hand, Emma was treating the wounds on the back of her friend Candice hers, who was lying on her bed. Candice was sore and angry at Paul's son's attack:

‒We should go, it's the most sensible thing we could do. I don't mind walking twenty miles if with it… ‒she said before being interrupted by her friend Countess Emma Cardiff.

–No, to hell with that, we'll stay. –She said without hesitation.

‒But don't you realize that that monster as a child almost killed me? Candice said without suppressing her anger. ‒I don't trust that Paul Von Wittgenstein, and his sweet and kind talk. –She continued saying suspicious.

‒I explained to you that he is Paul's son and he is not feeling well. I want to help you, Candice, understand. –Emma said.

‒The only thing I understand is that you are falling in love with a monster. God knows what they will be capable of. Candice said suspiciously.

‒Paul… I mean Mr. von Wittgenstein is not a bad person, he is only concerned about the welfare of his son. He will not allow anything bad to happen to us, he will watch over his son. He needs help too, he is very unhappy, just like his poor child. Something horrible is weighing on them and we must find out, –Emma said.

‒And what explanation did he give you of the chains and the bloodstains that were on the walls and everywhere? Professor Hawking couldn't believe what we were seeing either, –Candice affirmed.

‒You know that it is very exaggerated, Paul told me that big game is abundant here, and that in that place the owner skinned the game that he hunted. Emma stated.

‒Yes, it could be but I warn you, if I see that brat again, I'll leave so fast that you won't be able to follow my tracks, –Candice said seriously.

‒Emma, ​​you know I love you and I know why I'm telling you be careful, don't take your role as a Samaritan too far. You might be sorry, –she asked.

‒Let's go down, I'll call Hawking, I think he already has the scrolls I asked for him ready, and we'll show them to Paul, he seems to be very interested in collaborating with us, –Emma said, heading to the front door of the room.

‒I would say too much, –Candice stated.

Emma frowned out of the room after her friend's last comment.

In the great hall the professor unfolds the old scrolls on the table. Mr. Paul von Wittgenstein carefully studies the locations that are drawn on these scrolls, where the geographical location of each precise place was marked on those maps. Brief annotations, concrete and prominent places were described, where Emma argues certain concrete places of vital interest for her thesis:

‒There is no doubt, this is talking about the devil's crossroads, –Emma said, pointing with her index finger to a specific place on the map.

‒ Devil's Crossroads? Paul asked.

‒Yes, the crossroads is near the hermitage of Santa Ana. There was a reprobate monk named Bautista Juhász who celebrated covens and black masses at the request of the Countess d'Arvulla, –Emma pointed out.

‒The hermitage of Santa Ana I think I have never been there, and where is that crossroads? Paul asked interestedly.

‒It is not far from the monastery we visited this morning, Calvary's tomb is located a few meters underground in the sanctuary, the sarcophagus is visible, but it will not be easy to enter. Hawking pointed out.

‒Wow, it had never occurred to me, how could I have been so stupid? Paul wailed. ‒If you don't mind, we will go tomorrow morning, as soon as morning comes. Paul asked, with the approval of Candice, who was also present.

The next day and after a light breakfast everyone gathered at the entrance of the house, Paul prepared everything necessary for the little excursion to the hermitage of Santa Ana. He mounted a white horse in the carriage and everyone mounted on it. Mr. Paul von Wittgenstein would be in charge of driving the carriage to its destination, constantly looking at the horizon following the route marked by the map, but as they were moving away some storm clouds were approaching that covered the blue of the sky, there was no doubt that the storm was imminent. The roar was heard in the distance, through the mountains that covered the valley. At a time when it was raining torrentially, the outbreak of thunder across the lake, reverberating slowly reaching the shore, reversing the march in new reverberations and lighting the gray skies with electric veins. It didn't take long for the carriage to reach its destination. The storm abated and it stopped raining, Mr. Hawking was the first to get out of the carriage and kindly helping Miss Wesley down the ladder, in the same way he helped his dear friend Countess Cardiff to get off it. Paul nimbly jumped down from the reins of the chariot and settled the horse. After doing so, they limited themselves to entering the Hermitage of Santa Ana, no one uttered a word when contemplating its sinister structure, everyone had a certain fear when doing so, its terrible state of conservation gave it a more gloomy appearance if possible. They all walked until they reached an old mausoleum, finding a grave where the description on his tombstone powerfully caught the attention of old Hawking, who insightfully exposed his knowledge of it.

‒In times past those who had died by suicide or executed for participating in rites of witchcraft and vampirism were buried at crossroads as it is and then became ideal places for the invocation of different rites and sinister ceremonies and covens. Hawking pointed out.

‒If the parchment is authentic, I think we have reached our destination, we must find the tomb of the Countess d'Arvulla up in the monastery. Paul said.

‒Do you think it will be inside? Emma asked Paul with some fear.

‒Yes, aristocrats and important people were buried in places like these, far from the mob they were heavily guarded. Paul affirmed.

Hawking stepped forward to make sure of the exact location of the tomb where the countess lay, and took another look at the maps he carried on top of her.

After entering the monastery, the four of them accessed the deepest crypts, where they found the tombs of the sinister d´Arvulla couple without much difficulty. Both tombs were placed next to each other, with a separation of two meters apart. The find was a great triumph for the four of them, as they had found the remains of a legend that had fascinated them for a long time. They first set out to clean the tombstones, they were very old, dusty and covered with cobwebs. When passing their hands over the surface of the tombstones they could see that there were writings carved on the stone that said:

«Countess Orsolya d´Arvulla 1652-1685 in love with the devil, she found the death she deserved. May no one disturb her rest and may God have mercy on her soul»

‒It was not a legend, it really existed. Candice said in amazement.

They unanimously decided that they would open the coffin to see inside it. Candice got a little nervous and did not agree with the idea, but deep down she also wanted to see what was inside.

‒We already found the grave, let's not desecrate it, let's go. -He said

‒Candice, we are facing the most important finding of our work. This is the ultimate proof that the legend is true. Only by opening the coffin can we be sure that the Countess's remains are still here. Plus I want to see it for myself, I've waited a long time for this. Emma said enthusiastically.

‒Well, whatever you want, but I'm not going to be present when you open the coffin. I am going to the ruins of the hermitage, there I will wait for you. Candice said.

‒Okay, but be careful," Emma said.

The rest have no objection to the decision and they let Candice do what she wanted and continued with the plan:

‒It is certainly a formidable find," Hawking commented, with some impatience to open the coffin.

‒Sure, Mr. Hawking, help me remove the lid. –Paul affirmed.

Before proceeding to open the lid, they removed several corpses of dead animals that at some point would have slipped into the crypt and did not know how to find their way out. Paul and old Hawking first discovered the mummified body of the Countess, when they removed the heavy tombstone from her, which buried her. The stench was nauseating and unbearable, reminiscent of a musty and sulfur odor. After this they proceeded to open her husband's and they could experience the same smell of death. Both bodies were intact: a detail that shocked many attendees. Inside one of the tombs was the famous silver cross, more specifically nailed to the count's chest, which was a mass of bones and old clothes. Paul was absorbed in contemplating the corpses, a powerful impulse caused him to grasp the brilliant cross, which rested on his ribs, but it was none other than Countess Emma Cardiff who agreed to remove the cross from the chest of the count's bony body. As she did so, she scratched her forearm with a metal protrusion that had the grave and several drops of blood splattered the skull of the corpse entering her mouth.

‒Ah! I think I was hurt with something, I'm bleeding. Emma pointed out.

She supported her arm on the other tomb, that of the Countess d'Arvulla, quickly Paul assisted Emma to help her plug the wound that had occurred.

‒Emma are you okay? Hawking asked worriedly. ‒You shouldn't have, ‒he continued.

‒The legend says that if the silver cross of the Mayenza is torn from him, the count would come back to life. Emma pointed out.

As they continued to argue whether the legend would be fulfilled or not, blood dripped onto the countess's serrated mouth. Paul managed to plug the wound with the sleeve fabric he tore from his shirt.

‒The professor is right, you shouldn't have, and if the legend is true… ‒Paul pointed out. We could be in danger and we wouldn't know it… ‒Paul continued.

‒Where is Candice? ‒We must look for her Hawking asked alarmed.

‒He did not want to see the remains of the countess and went towards the route of the ruins that overlook the hermitage of Santa Ana. ‒Emma indicated.

‒We better close the coffin again. ‒Hawking proposed.

‒Yes. Paul stated.

Paul and Mr. Hawking closed the graves again with the heavy headstones, and the three of them went to find Candice.

She was walking calmly contemplating the ruins of the hermitage and its immense towers and murals, when she visualized what looked like a monk walking around. Candice approached him and asked:

–Hey, could you tell me? –Candice asked innocently.

As the monk turned to the girl, she, she, could see the cadaverous and rotten face of that thing. She was scared, as soon as she saw him and she ran away as fast as she could, to get out of there. But she got confused with her nerves and got into a dead end, where he was blocked by some collapsed walls of the wall of the hermitage. The corpse slowly approached the place where she was trapped. She yelled with all her might for help, this alerted Paul and the others who came to her aid. The walking corpse pounced on the young woman, when just at that moment Paul grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him away from her and then nailed the silver cross into her chest. This produced an unexpected effect for everyone as the corpse disintegrated in front of the incredulous eyes of Emma and the others. Candice, extremely grateful, hugged Paul.

‒It's a good time to go, ‒Emma said.

At that moment Paul picked up the silver cross that was on the cassock, which was the only thing left of the monk and they left that monastery.

That same night, when the moon illuminated the black skies and after Paul's carriage had left the hermitage, after a long time some rather strange movements took place in the crypt, where supposedly the lifeless bodies of the d'Arvulla couple rested. However, the headstone of the earl's coffin unexpectedly opened, pushed by the chilling claws of a hairy hand. The beast had come to life again, managing to emerge from the crypt.

Emma as she packed her bags, she coughed hard enough to make her eyes water, but she could give the impression of being mistaken for tears. She certainly felt devastated, but with self-control, she in a way felt bad for abandoning her beloved writer.

Candice, dressed in her nightgown, was watching her, fixing her gaze, undaunted, without blinking, with a half smile on her face, leaning against the closet, where her friend was picking up the glass, folding it carefully into her suitcases. Emma somehow knew that she was being watched by that unmistakable look from her friend of hers and she started a conversation to try to divert the true thoughts of her friend Candice:

‒Tomorrow morning the carriage of the people will arrive, I wish we were already in Berlin. I miss being around people in the middle of the traffic on the streets breathing life around us. I really want to talk to Francis. Emma affirmed, as she folded her clothes and placed them inside the suitcase.

‒Francis? I don't know about me, your interest is focused on someone else now. Candice stated with some irony.

‒Maybe, but you see what happened this morning, everything here is so strange that it scares me. I'm beginning to believe that everything is unreal, like a dream or something like that and when I wake up there will be no dead to rise again, no werewolves who want to kill me… –Emma said seriously.

‒And Paul doesn't exist either? What are you planning to do? Will you tell Francis? Candice asked.

‒No, of course not I don't know I'm confused. -She said.

‒You weren't when you were in Paul's arms this afternoon, walking around. Candice said with a smile. He is part of our hallucinations Emma. As everything is happening since we started this trip to this damn place. ‒She continued somewhat exalted.

‒Yes Francis would be here, he is a policeman and I am sure he would find an explanation for everything. The truth is that I am more and more scared. I don't know what to make of all this. Emma said wrinkling one of her blouses, squeezing it tightly with her hands.

‒Do you know any prayers? Candice asked.

‒Of course. ‒Responded her friend Emma hers.

‒Then pray, it's the only thing we have left. I'm hungry, I think I'll go down to the kitchen to eat something, do you want something? Candice affirmed as she opened the door handle to the room.

‒Yes, now I'll go down with you, let me finish the suitcase. Emma said.

Once Candice went down to the kitchen she poured herself a glass of water, when at that moment she heard a slight whisper claiming her name, gently running through the air that penetrated through the windows. That feminine, sinuous and whispering voice enveloped her senses in a hypnotic and sweet dance ‒ come, come to me.

Something in her mind was lost in that sensual female voice, forcing her to chase after her sinuous whisper. Candice left the house in the middle of the night and went into the woods chasing that charming voice like a moth chasing the bright light of a flame of fire. The ghostly voice skewered into the darkness took the form of a woman dressed in silky dark robes. The voice of the Countess d'Arvulla led her over her black veil towards the hermitage. Just before arriving from her the image of her was reflected in the black waters of the lake where Candice stopped, that demonic being surprised her by holding her and immobilizing her by both arms. Throbbing tears soon appeared and slid down the soft, rosy cheeks of Candice's terrified face. A large gray wolf with glowing red eyes appeared in front of them. The countess looked at the wolf defiantly and said:

‒No she is mine. The countess said, frowning monstrously.

That beast growled before leaving the scene. The totally excited countess bit Candice's neck. She felt her life slowly go out like a candle in the wind.

Not far from there in the big house, Paul was reading a book by the fireplace, a book Hawking had lent him. He spoke of the curse of lycanthropy, where one of the fragments could read: «When the day of the blind moon arrives and coincides with the night of Walpurgis, the cross that was made with the sacred metal of the chalice of Mayenza will be crossed the hearts of those who suffer the curse of lycanthropy, the curse of the werewolf. The act has to be carried out by the woman who loves the accursed man and risks her life for him, at that moment the light will conquer the darkness and the soul of the condemned person will regain peace forever.

‒Pau was absorbed in reading his book, when Emma came down the stairs and with a cry she exalted Paul's reading, inducing him to contemplate the macabre scene that Emma was contemplating at that moment on the stairs. They both saw Candice's body hanging, her head wedged between the wooden bars of the railing. Emma gave a cry of surprise and horror to see her best friend dead like that. Paul came quickly and hugged Emma, ​​so he could comfort her in her pain.

‒That is the proof we needed, the curse still continues, and the devil has risen again and is still powerful and the peoples continue to ignore his strength foolishly. They will become more and more powerful. Paul asked.

Mr. Hawking also came to the aid of Countess Cardiff upon hearing the screams and added:

‒The most terrible thing is that the night of Walpurgis is approaching. Hawking added.

At that moment a sinister female laugh could be heard, which froze the blood of everyone present and the supposed corpse of Candice evaporated like smoke in the wind, a black smoke with the stench of sulfur.

‒Have you seen that? She ‒ she asked, surprised at how Candice's corpse had disappeared on her railing.

‒There is the power of him, according to legend the devil manifests himself that night. It is an eternal struggle that torments the human being since he was created. Pride is his condemnation and evil tries to drag men in their despair, so that they succumb forever. Paul added to his speech.

‒And what can we do? We have no weapons –Emma pointed out.

‒No, we have something more powerful," Hawking said.

Paul, restless, kept looking out the window.

‒Johann will be coming soon, you must go to town with him. When you return you will go to Berlin, where a train will take you back home. Paul pointed out.

‒We should call the police, all the villagers must know what is happening. Emma said

‒No one can do anything darling, I must fight alone, I feel that it is my destiny and I am linked to this story in some way that I still do not understand. You have to believe me. Said Paul.

‒If Candice is still here, I will not abandon her, nor you either, I will never abandon you, because I love you, as long as we are together I will not be afraid of anything or anyone. Emma said passionately, declaring herself to Paul, as they both merged into a passionate kiss.

‒Johann will be about to arrive. We will do one thing, you will go with Mr. Hawking to the town and you will be safe, I will not allow anything bad to happen to you. I will stay I must do something without delay and without anyone helping me.

Paul went to a small reinforced bronze chest and from it took out the silver cross, the sacred cross of Mayenza, and handed it to Emma.

‒Take the cross and do not drop it under any pretext. It's the only thing that can protect you from the werewolf and the countess. ‒Paul said kissing Emma again.

The horses pulling Johann's carriage could be heard through the open windows.

Johann Friedrich Encke, was a tall, stout man, somewhat eccentric and always dressed in black. He had a physical and aesthetic aspect to stand out and that was his big mustache, although it was something common in the barons of the time, however not in the extravagant way in which he wore it, but it must be recognized that his personality suited him good. Johann was the owner of the large house, which he kindly rented to high personalities of the society of the time. He himself drove the tenants to the property in his carriage, and every week he supplied them with food and accessories of different kinds. Mr. Johann Friedrich lived in a mansion with his wife and his children on the outskirts of the town of Ansbach. With the benefits that he obtained from the rent of the old mansion he gave her to support his family. As a good host, he went to collect Countess Cardiff and her friend, old Edward Hawking. When Johann's carriage arrived at the house, it was positioned in such a way that it would be easy for both of them to access it. Paul said goodbye, raising his hand, as the carriage drove down the path through the trees past the property. He took advantage of the fact that he was alone to go to the room where his son was sleeping soundly. With his hands, she unfastened the first two buttons on the top of the pajamas his son was wearing and saw that he had a pentagonal scar on his chest. At that moment he realized that his son also bore the mark of the curse that afflicted the d'Arvulla in his time. How had that fact occurred, if the boy never made contact with that family?

He did not think too much about it because he already knew perfectly well what had to be done, although it was heartbreaking to him, nevertheless he understood that he had to do it so as not to compromise and condemn other innocent people. It would take a lot of cold blood to continue, the hardest thing for a father is to sacrifice what he loves most so that he stops suffering. Therefore he decided he lifted him over his shoulder and left the room with his son, without making too sudden movements so as not to disturb his sleep. He put him in the back of the carriage, then he too took a seat and shook the reins for the horse to start off until it was several kilometers away from the house.

Shortly afterwards he stopped the carriage and got out of it, picked up his son in his arms, carried his son flying through the forest, where he would lose himself in its black thicket. He walked a long way, carrying his son until he reached a deep ditch, which he had previously dug. He carefully left his son on the ground, near the pit, where there was also an ax, silver stakes and a wooden hammer, he wanted to say a few words of farewell to him while he slept:

‒My son, you have also been touched by the curse, but I have to save your soul, the vile diabolical arts of Orsolya d´Arvulla will be able to do nothing against you.

–He said as he picked up the ax from the ground.

Paul closed his eyes and a tear slid away as he drove one of the silver stakes into the heart of his son and then cut off his head with a heartrending cry of misery. First he threw the boy's small head into the pit and then delicately picked up the rest of his mutilated body from him and deposited it into the deep pit. After this he got up and with a shovel began to cover the hole with the earth that was accumulated around the pit. Paul gazed up at the starry black skies and shot a fierce glare filled with uncontrollable fury. But there was still hope in his love for Emma.

At one point, on the way, Johann was forced to stop his carriage, when he saw a large fallen tree that was blocking the way. Emma stuck her head out of the car and said worriedly:

‒Why have we stopped? Asked Countess Cardiff.

‒I had no choice but to stop, there is a tree blocking the way. Johann answered. ‒Don't worry countess, I'll try to move it. I keep saying.

Johann jumped down from the cart and headed for the fallen tree, with the misfortune that it was too heavy for just one person to move. At that moment Mr. Hawking offered to help him, after seeing that he alone was unable to move it.

Wait, Mr. Friedrich, I'll help you. Hawking said kindly.

‒Thank you, Mr. Hawking." Johann answered.

They both grabbed the branches of the tree and pulled to the side with all their might, but it was very heavy and they only managed to move it a paltry inches. When they tried to move it again, they heard malicious laughter traveling in the wind. A violent air rose that strongly shook the treetops around him, shaking them hard. It was enough to cause a certain nervousness in those present. Mr. Hawking's hat flew off as a large gray wolf was glimpsed across the road, staring at them through the dense fog with bloodshot eyes. Only when he began to walk towards them did you see the magnitude of that great gray wolf. Mr. Hawking had never seen a creature with such unique characteristics and he was terrified, paralyzed by fear, in the same way Johann was left, although he was used to hearing the stories and legends of terror that were told in the town, that was overcome exceedingly and without knowing how to react, he began to run scared. An opportunity that the wolf took advantage of to go out after him and as if he were waiting for him began to chase Mr. Friedrich. The horse shook, agitated and scared, fleeing, pulling the cart uncontrollably and with great force, leaving the Countess Cardiff inside the cart.

Mr. Hawking, unable to reach the carriage, took advantage of those precious seconds to hide behind some bushes, while the wolf hunted poor Johann who died devoured by the jaws of the beast. The agonizing screams that Mr. Friedrich emitted before he died were so heartbreaking that Mr. Hawking could not bear it and made to run through the forest as fast as his ailing legs would allow. The flesh was ripped away with such violence that blood splattered several feet around it. The horse took the direction back, not taking too long to reach the house.

Paul, it had been more than an hour after burying his son and now he was in his office reviewing some documents, but when he heard the carriage return he ran out to see what was happening. When he saw the runaway horse and recognized the carriage, he cleverly braked the nervous horse and realized that Emma was inside the carriage screaming in despair. Paul helped her out of the car and tried to reassure her:

‒Emma! What happened? Paul asked, agitated. Attacked us… a gray wolf attacked us… devoured Mr. Friedrich. I don't know if Hawking is still alive, we have to go help him. Said a random Emma, ​​regaining her sanity.

Upon hearing the news, Paul shook his head with a disconsolate gesture, feeling the loss of his friend Johann Friedrich. His eyes were expressionless, he breathed in rapid, desperate movements. They both hugged, comforting each other for the tragedy that occurred.

‒Sweetheart, we must hurry, there is no time to lose." I have read that today will be the full moon, so the Countess d'Arvulla will be stronger than ever and will attack us again. Come I'll take you to the safest part of the house. Do not abandon the cross for a single moment. Paul said.

‒And what will you do? You will stay with me? You are in danger too. Emma affirmed.

‒No, it can't be I must do something important. Said Paul

‒I will accompany you, I want to help you. Emma said.

‒It is very dangerous, it is better that you stay in the room, I will go later. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to us. Listen to me and don't go out until dawn.

He escorted his beloved Countess Cardiff to the safest rooms in the house. On the highest ceilings of the house you could hear the agitated flapping of bats. There the doors were reinforced and had numerous very strong locks and even several sharp weapons, swords and other sharp objects of different styles and times, which Johann collected by displaying them on the walls of the house in different places in a decorative way. They could no longer suppress their desire to be together with each other and they lay down on the bed and made love in that same room. Paul waited lying next to Emma until she fell asleep, taking advantage of that moment to get dressed and go out the door of the room, like a ghost but not before making sure that everything was well closed and safe so that his beloved had a quiet time. and good rest. He retired, but soon after, when he climbed the side stairs of the tower, he suffered severe pain in his chest that prevented him from continuing to walk, he pulled hard at the collar of his shirt, breaking all the buttons and revealing the scar on his chest. That it was causing him these terrible pains. That scar was pentagonal in shape, taking on a reddish color and bulging, as if the wound had been opened. He staggered to his feet and saw himself in a mirror that hung on one of the walls in front of him. He could not believe it, he also endured the curse that his ancestors transmitted to him, inherited by blood and likewise his suspicions were finally clarified. The love that he felt was the reason that the symptoms did not appear until now, it was not a simple coincidence. That was the magical night, where the wicked countess would claim her throne, her absolute power from hers and hers would grow stronger in her abyss.

Paul began to feel really bad when he began to stagger from one side of the hall to the other. His body underwent sudden changes in its morphology and he began to cover himself with hair quickly between agonizing muscular pains, the nails of his hands began to grow in an exaggerated way, transforming him completely into a beast. His head and face also underwent important morphological changes, in which his large hairy ears, canid incisors of considerable length and large yellowish eyes stood out. When the total transformation was complete, Paul or what was left of him no longer looked human, he had become a wild beast from the underworld. Guided by his instincts, he found a way out of the house, and it was none other than jumping through one of the windows that overlooked the front yard garden. The beast fled down a narrow path towards the forest.

Nothing could be heard in the locked room on the other side of the house, where Emma rested, through the reinforced double-paned windows. She was lying on the bed, holding the silver cross firmly in her hands on her chest, but that did not help her fall asleep, or calm her thoughts, or in the possibility of having an unexpected visit that night. The lonely night chained her nightmares, weaving myths and legends into a silk web like a spider would to capture her prey. Finally her dream led her down her path and she fell asleep peacefully.

Mr. Hawking, after traversing barbed wire fences, freshly tilled fields, and "No Trespassing" signs, walked for hours, until he finally reached the town, where everyone slept. Except for the nocturnal vagabonds and the prostitutes of the place who seemed to have no schedules. Casually walking through its streets he bumped into one of those street ladies, who was doing her rounds. Mr. Hawking, very nervous and desperate, tried to explain to the young lady what had happened to him in the forest, but she, between her stammering and broken words, did not understand anything she was saying. Miss Ella began to adopt a provocative attitude, more willing to do other things, little oriented to the worries that Mr. Hawking had, rather to calm those worries that anguished him. Then the attractive and sassy young lady came on several times as she flirted with the brown curls of her hair.

‒Miss you don't understand, we are in mortal danger… ‒said Hawking.

‒I know what could calm you love… ‒said the lady.

He insisted on calling the police while she ignored his requests and continued the courtship libido. Suddenly a beautiful woman dressed in black emerged from the darkened alley, with a firm step she was approaching them. Old Hawking stared at her, paralyzed by her beauty and sensuality, as if entrusted to the terrible sexual desire that aroused her provocative way of moving her hips. The truth was that he was hypnotized, unable to move a muscle, the countess's power trapped him in its net without escape. The young lady was a little scared, but that did not prevent her from pointing out that alley as hers and she invited that woman in black to leave her domain, but she pounced without saying a word on the prostitute, biting her with great tenacity on the neck of her. She, After quickly ending the life of the young woman, it was the turn of a terrified Hawking, who could not help but release a last broken breath, suspecting that this was the end of him. The sensual woman in black uncovered the veil from her face to Hawking's dismay when he saw that she was the vampire Countess d'Arvulla.

The night progressed whispering bloody melodies, captivating disbelievers and thirsty for nightmares. Emma slept peacefully, lying on her bed in the room with the locks, visualizing in one of her dreams of her dreaming of her best friend turned into a bloody vampire. She was watching her smiling as she slowly approached the foot of the bed. After removing the sheets from her, Candice held Emma's arms up from her, while the countess leaned on her. The bloody countess unbuttoned the nightgown that she was wearing from her, delicately with her fingers removed her pectoral part, revealing her breasts. Then she, without being able to control her desire, caressed with her tongue a certain part of one of her breasts, causing the uncontrollable excitement of Emma, ​​feeling ecstatic, she let herself be carried away by lust and her eternal carnal desire. D'Arvulla, it didn't take long to taste her burning blood from her, this caused a wound where her blood gushed out like an insatiable flow. Both vampires fed on Emma's blood, emulating the urge to feed on two hungry little bats. They stopped feeding just before her heart stopped, the countess retained blood in her mouth, bowed her head and gave a dying Emma a taste by spilling the blood she had ingested into her mouth. When she spilled the last drop on her mouth he kissed her lips bathed in blood.

Emma detaches herself from life, while both vampires dance in circles, holding hands. Emma at that moment wakes up coughing in her bed and realized that it had only been a dream.

Shortly before the sun rose in the west, Emma leaned out of the window and saw Paul in the distance, returning to the big house with his clothes tattered and dirty. Without wasting a moment, she put on her robe and went out to meet him at the doors, helping him to enter the house since he was visibly weakened. Paul tries to explain to his beloved Emma what happened to him that same night, they both sat on the sofas in the great room:

‒The curse reached me in the Carpathians, for the first time. There I became the beast that I am a werewolf. My Family was from there…. Then I managed to take refuge in the town near the border, in Hungary. A woman helped me, the one who would be my wife at that time. Elizabeth helped me chain myself to the wall every time the full moon came. But one day I managed to escape and I murdered some poor innocents, the crimes were repeated every night of the full moon. The inhabitants found me, shot me silver bullets since then I have been condemned to wander between life and death. With the only company of guilt, fear and hatred, which torment me. I thought I had overcome it but it has come back and I don't understand why ‒Paul said resignedly.

‒Only love can save you, right? Emma pointed out.

‒There are many tears shed. Only love will be able to direct the hand that has to nail the cross to me, when the full moon shines on the ice. Paul replied firmly.

‒That made you look for the cross with determination, now I understand. -He said.

‒Emma, ​​doom made you come and forget all the horror that I can arouse. He affirmed.

–Poor Candice's blood brought the Countess d'Arvulla back to life… ‒Emma said.

‒Yes, she made a vampire of your friend and I tried to do the same with my wife Elisabeth, that's why I had to kill her on her day, just like I did with my son ‒he said excitedly. ‒Emma, ​​you can be her next victim. Orsolya will remain alive until the night of Walpurgis, then all the demons invoked that night will come to her aid and she will destroy the entire town. He pointed out.

‒We must find out where he is hiding from her and finish her off. Emma said.

‒There are so many places the old farm, the ruins of the monastery, the holy field ‒Paul said.

‒We will find him my love, his diabolical power ends where that of the cross begins. She said flatly.

‒I will go look in the monastery, Candice is also hiding there. Paul said.

–Yes, vampires hide in empty graves. –He said.

‒Emma, ​​now you must go, I can't let you take that risk…–he said.

‒And where will I go? To town? They are ignorant people, easy to excite, as soon as they discover it, they will try to kill us, and the countess will take revenge, since her ancestors were the cause of her death. I won't leave, I'll be with you until it's all over. Emma affirmed, emphatically in her words.

They both melted into a warm embrace. Paul went to take a hot bath, while Emma fixed her hair in front of the dresser in her room. It was early and it wouldn't be dawn for a couple of hours. The bedroom was spacious but simple, as if, even after a week she had spent there, she would never have finished unpacking her things. As she tied her hair into an elegant bun, with a few pins, the silhouette of a beautiful, pale Candice was reflected in her mirror. Her death song silenced the silence and immediately afterwards Emma turned around in her chair and could thus see her friend, who was begging her to open the window:

‒Let me in Emma, ​​I am your dear friend Candice… Let me in… the vampire whispered from outside.

Emma seeing his bright and lifeless eyes was wrapped in his hypnotic spell. She walked slowly towards the window without being able to prevent the pearly tears from running down her cheeks, while she opened the windows wide, allowing her friend to enter, she smiled maliciously as she entered the room without any element to prevent it and without stop staring into her eyes. He seemed to exert a strange hypnotic magnetism on her, driving her only with his gaze. Emma had lost all control over her body and consciousness of her, so she took her friend by her hand and led her over her steps to the bed, making her sit up. They both sat facing each other, Candice took the initiative and gently caressed her face, sliding her hand towards her chest, there she slightly raised her hand to her right shoulder and slid the strip of her nightgown with the tips of her fingers, making it fall by itself. Candice kissed her sweetly on her lips, then turned her head to the side of her opening her mouth and revealing her vampire fangs to bite her neck. Her body was weakening after the loss of blood and that caused them both to lie down on the sheets. The vampire fed on her blood until she was satisfied with it, after this she left Emma lying on the bed, lifeless. Candice looked up from her with her mouth wide open, fully sated and aroused, her eyes completely bathed in a thick gray mist. She left Emma's dead body on the bed as she left the room, not realizing that when she ran out of blood that she still had in her mouth, it ran down her chin, staining the bed and the carpet on the floor. of thick drops.

After finishing his long hot bath Paul went to his beloved Emma's room. What he did not imagine is finding death when entering inside. Like a replay of the past he discovered Emma's lifeless body on the bed. His mind wandered alone again to those damned torturous thoughts he had experienced in the past. The anger he once felt at losing his first wife rushed over him again. He stayed by her side, hugging her for a long time, until evening fell. Paul collected his thoughts and prepared to end the nightmare conscientiously prepared to end the Countess d'Arvulla and her demons, once and for all. He took some weapons that he kept in her closet, next to the silver cross, gathered all the documents and maps that he could take with him. He gave his beloved Emma one last kiss on the lips.

‒I will avenge your death, my love, your loss will not have been in vain. She retorted bitterly.

The sun burned less brightly in the late afternoon when she set out for the monastery in his black carriage. When he arrived, night was already falling, and the moon was lighting up the valley. Without losing a moment he crossed the stone threshold and entered with the memories of him in the bustle of nightmares and fears of him.

He accessed the place where the old cemetery was located, in the oldest and most abandoned part. He picked up the bag from him, with everything he needed and in one leap he left the carriage.

The piercing whine had touched something in his mind, though he couldn't quite free it to make him aware. He shook his head, the torments returning more frequently to his mind, already tortured intensifying his haunting struggle with the hidden fears of the past. For a few moments he remained inert, listening to the silence and the apparent calm in the night. He also noticed that there was an unpleasant smell in that place, but it was nothing that should surprise him given the place where he was, but that smell was familiar to him, it was something that he had previously smelled. Assuming that the demons would soon come out of his hiding place, so he intensified the search around the tombs. He went quickly to one of them and after hesitating a moment he opened it, but there was nothing in it, it was empty. Suddenly a high-pitched shriek was heard colliding with the tranquility and silence that reigned in the cemetery. Paul turned and realized that a tombstone was moving a few feet from where he stood. Not long after his arrival when he saw a splendid and voluptuous sinister lady, dressed in black, her hair rose in the wind like the flight of a kite, without a doubt it was Candice, but it looked different. She surely she had reached another level of power, what is certain is that she looked different. Paul followed her stealthily for several meters until in an awkward carelessness he threw a vase of dried flowers to the ground revealing his position, the vampire noticed his presence but did not do anything he just stopped and raised his head slightly turning his back and when Paul raised his head To see what her clumsiness had caused, when she looked straight ahead again she had disappeared. «In the flesh all wisdom begins, where the damned await their end. Blood is part of the alchemical secret of the soul.» ‒Candice said, but she had disappeared. Paul could not believe what was happening there were some dark vision in his head, demonic faces, trembling and on the verge of an almost unimaginable change, an existence with so much torment would be too much for him, but that was not reason enough for the little sanity he had left to falter for not a single moment. In the instant that he was required he rose from the ground and became defensive, showing her sharp weapons, although he could not see her, he still sensed the presence of the vampire. He walked holding the bag in his hand with numerous sharp objects, there was no room for error as it would cost him dearly. Candice descended surprisingly horizontally from the skies and fell on him, knocking him down. They both struggled on the ground, measuring their strength, Paul seeing that the vampire's strength was greater than his, had to think of another strategy to finish her off, then he took a fleeting glance to his left where the bag had fallen, where they appeared the stakes. He stretched out his arm and even though the bag had fallen away from him the stakes were right next to him so she reached out his arm and managed to reach one in his hand, Candice didn't realize what action he would take advantage over Paul. He was about to be bitten by the vampire, when he drove the stake into her back. Suddenly there was a cry of horror that shook the air. The stake in his back was deep enough to buy him a few seconds to shake off the vampire and stand up.

Immediately after this he picked up another of the stakes thrown on the ground, fast enough to drive it through the vampire's chest as she ached from the first wound. Candice, I let out a monstrous scream that filled the already surprised Paul with horror. The corpse of the young vampire was lying on the ground, bloody and expelling mouthfuls of blood from her mouth. The heart of another creature from hell had been pierced by death. Little by little the forces of the night were being weakened, so Paul felt when the devil stopped roaring.

But he did not notice that angry eyes were watching him at the top of the tower, bright eyes observed the murder, it was Orsolya, who witnessed the execution of one of his disciples. For a strange reason the dark countess let him go. Perhaps because she wore the silver cross or simply wanted to wait for the next moon in which all the hells would be unleashed with her new power acquired after the great rite of Walpurgis. In any case Paul returned home and that same night he buried his beloved Emma, ​​not far from the property where they lived.

He kept a halo of hope whose theoretical belief, on which it is based, that when you kill the vampire who has bitten you, his victim recovers the life that has been taken from him. But in this case it was not like that, they were just gossip and legends of the villagers, crazy fantasies that helped people to stop fearing these unknown beings, so terrifying that the human mind is unable to conceive.

‒Tomorrow is the night my beloved, I will avenge all the bad fortune that took you away from my side. Tomorrow, on Walpurgis night, I will finish off the black countess once and for all, and take her back to hell where she should never have left her. Paul said bitterly as he said goodbye to his beloved on her deathbed.

THE NIGHT OF WALPURGIS

April 30, the night of the famous «burning of the witches» It is a tradition in the town to light large bonfires up to eight meters high that are lit and burned, preferably on top of a hill. Young people gather around and the sudden formations of dense black smoke are likened to "flying witches." As the night progresses until midnight and the fire diminishes, it is time to look for a cherry blossom tree, traditionally the young women of the town must be kissed after midnight (and during the next day) under a cherry tree, a symbol of fertility. This festival was celebrated differently in each country, with its pagan rites and ceremonies in each region. But it was a much older and more secret holiday than ordinary people might think or suppose. That night served to reveal many other secrets, as you can read in the oldest books the revelations, memories and experiences of the beings called undead, those immortal beings who live on the fringes of society as we know it. Those who feed on blood, the so-called black immortals. In the same way they were called in the prestigious and famous parties organized by the d´Arvulla family, who belonged to a favorite organization called Los Sagaska, made up of dukes, counts, and members of high society, where the d´Arvulla had a high social status within said organization.

His expression indicated the desire for revenge and hatred for the unjust loss of the one who had loved so much in no time. He prepared himself early that morning after collecting all the material he was going to need for that night, He carried his bag with the weapons and maps that would help him better locate the location of the bloody countess so as not to get lost in the labyrinth, passageways and Underground crypts that he had in a monastery where it was hidden. He carried with him a double-bladed ax, the Mayenza cross, scrolls and maps between stakes and other hunting utensils. He guessed it would be a very long day and thought it would not be easy to locate the countess's grave. However, the feeling of justice carried him forward without respite.

The hours went by and when the sunset wanted to realize it entered its deadly peak, but there was no return, he stopped for a moment as he had done many times to see the maps and verify his location there, in the monastery. He painstakingly went over every corner he'd been to and where he'd moved. He pored over every corner and nook of the towers where he had not yet been. He spent most of the day going through the labyrinthine underground passageways and realized that it had been a waste of time, he only had the western part of the monastery to look at, in the old tower, he pointed his finger at the exact location and thought «The tomb of the gentleman »raising the restless glance. He rerolled his maps and headed for the tower, the west tower. He went down to the crypts where he was able to gaze at the knight's tomb. It was an old stone sarcophagus, Paul stood before the tomb, contemplating it in all its splendor, there was no doubt that it was a majestic sarcophagus. He lit a torch and set it on a metal stand. On the tomb there was a stone carved in the shape of a lion's head, it was eaten by grass and the passage of time. That stone has to be lifted! Paul thought, but it was too heavy for one man to move. Night would soon fall so he decided to wait until the countess woke up.

He approached the huge wall, where through a collapsed hole you could see the lights that illuminated the town. Where life itself boiled apart from nightmares that in an almost forgotten time struggled to be reborn. Sounds from beyond the grave and sharp ceremonial shouts began to be heard in the surroundings of the monastery, there was no time, the moon was shining overhead and the stone that covered the tomb slab began to move, emitting the typical sound produced by two stones. when rubbing. There was no time to waste the vamp was waking up. Paul ran and silently positioned himself near the grave to contemplate her awakening. The countess stood up in a sinister way, Paul took advantage of that moment to show up the silver cross in front of the terrified eyes of the countess, who was slowly leaving her tomb sliding like a snake. He advanced slowly and intimidatingly towards her with the cross in his hands as the countess showed her threatening fangs, staring at him as her laughter grew louder and louder, emitting a shrill scream that came out of her throat similar to the of bats. Her eyes looked out of her orbits adopting a reddish color, they were even more sinister if possible when she became furious behind her veils and black clothes. The moon on that magical night gave no respite to any of the opposing parties and Paul succumbed to his curse and began to feel the pain prior to the transformation, to the event of transforming into a beast. Orsolya d´Arvulla took advantage of it to calm his spirits and rejoice in his ailment. Inevitably in the twists and turns he again soon became a furious werewolf. Each time the cells of his body were adapting to the transformation and the new morphological figure was becoming easier on the body. The beast incarnate when he saw the countess began to growl threateningly, the vampire stood guard to wait for any savage reaction that he had towards her, that beast. The cross was lying on the ground, the beast climbed onto the stone tomb and with an impulse leaped over the countess, finally they got into a violent fight. Like a shower of sparkling crystals, the beast's claws tore through the countess's fragile skin. Until finally the werewolf tore mortally with a claw across the countess's neck, taking her life.

The countess's dead body lay motionless on the ground, beginning to decompose and fill with maggots and larvae. Her face in no time became a mass of bone and dry skin invaded by maggots. The beast took one last look at the decomposed body before fleeing the scene. That night of fine and sweet rain, in that poisonous garden with its withered flowers and the trees swayed by the wind. The new evil age had been conquered once more, wearing the mantle of power with the ease that her ancient finery of glory had always worn. But for him, the days were not going to be so easy, Paul von Wittgenstein would have to continue to endure his eternal curse until death or love managed to free him.

***