Standing there in shock, I froze nervously as I looked up and saw the colossal castle. It was bigger than I ever imagined. I shivered, unsure if it was because of how intimidated and anxious I felt or if it was because of the strong winds pushing itself through the crowds of thick trees. It was as if the castle was hidden, the towering trees tightly surrounded it undoubtedly leaving no blank spaces on the ground, like an army of knights guarding the perimeter of a queen’s castle. However, this wasn’t the home to a friendly face who many people knew to be a kind and loving figure. This was the home to a cold and sadistic vampire. Count Dracula.
Piles and piles of ageing brick and stone were stacked on top of each other almost reaching the sky which was already engulfed with fog. Leaves and vines were slowly slithering up the exterior like groups of sly snakes. There were many dust-filled, stained windows. Small windows. Or at least they seemed like it in proportional comparison to the castle. Most of the castle was partially covered due to the branches clutching onto the trees but the towers stood over them tall and proud. The walls were stained from the effects of weathering although they may look weak and drained it was rumoured that behind those decaying, grey, weathered walls hid all of his darkest secrets.
I’d always been praised for my lack of fear and curiosity but at this moment, it felt more like a curse than a blessing. I glanced upwards, above the trees and at the very top of a tower I saw a window. Strings of sunlight shone through directly through the small, arched, stained glass creating figures inside. Those figures started dancing in the light. But those shadows weren’t shadows or people. Everyone knew that nobody other than Dracula himself entered the castle willingly. Were they ghosts? Spirits? Figments of my imagination?
Curious, I took a step closer in hope to get a better view. As I continued glaring at the window, I saw the same faint silhouettes. Closing my eyes, I shook my head then rubbed my eyes and looked back up at the window but no other shadows from the window, as if I conjured all of it from fear. It couldn’t have been all just mental fantasies playing in my mind. I told myself it was my overreactive imagination and not a sign indicating horror to come.
I took my glare of the window once again, analysing the castle. I was greeted by the strong winds again. The same sun except now it wasn’t glaring at a window. I noticed the thick trees and the walls of brick; the elevated towers and the vines. It was all the same as when I first came here except now, there was no shadows dancing.
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