Under a heavy veil of storm clouds, the night draped itself in darkness, punctuated only by the occasional flash of lightning illuminating Dracula’s castle. The rain fell in relentless sheets, drumming against the stone walls and creating a symphony of sound that echoed through the hollow halls.
As he approached the grand entrance, the heavy oak doors swung open, welcoming him with a groan that mingled with the storm outside. The flickering glow of candles lined the walls, casting long shadows that danced like wraiths in the corners of the room. Each flame flickered as if trying to hold back the encroaching darkness, creating a warm cocoon amidst the cold, wet night.
Dracula stepped inside, shaking off the rain that clung to his cloak, his heart heavy with the weight of his long journey. The scent of rain-soaked earth and aged wood filled the air, a nostalgic reminder of countless storms he had weathered alone.
In the distance, he heard the delicate sound of a piano, its soft notes weaving through the air like a gentle breeze. It drew him toward the music room, where the flickering candlelight revealed his beloved Mina, her silhouette framed against the window. Raindrops raced down the glass, shimmering like diamonds as they caught the light.
As she played, the room filled with a haunting melody, echoing the rhythm of the rain outside. Dracula stood in the doorway, captivated by her presence. The storm may have raged outside, but within these walls, there was a warmth that defied the tempest.
“Welcome home, my lord,” Mina said softly, her fingers pausing over the keys as she turned to him, her eyes sparkling with a light that pierced through the gloom.
Dracula felt a rare smile tug at his lips, a flicker of joy illuminating his otherwise somber heart. Here, in the midst of a storm, surrounded by the flickering candlelight and Mina's enchanting music, he realized that this castle, once a mere fortress of shadows, had become a sanctuary of love and warmth.
As the rain poured relentlessly outside, he stepped further into the room, knowing that tonight, amidst the storm, they would find solace together.