The date of my last letter

The Count said I was due to leave in the morning. I didn’t believe him. I asked: Why not tonight? I’d gladly walk. I didn’t care if there were any feelings in him left to hurt. I wanted out.

He took me up on my suggestion and opened the giant castle doors to let me outside. When he did, the howling grew louder - louder than every before, as if on cue. He kept slowly opening those doors and I just pictured the wolves who had devoured that poor woman previously leaping inside the castle with their red maws and giving me the same treatment.

Shut the door! I told him … and he did, triumphantly.

I need only last the night!

I don’t think I will.

Sleep all day, work all night

New breakthrough! The Count likes old, big houses near insane asylums.  What a strange man…

But that’s not all.

The Count also hates to work during the day. I’ve become a nocturnal beast in this cold, dark castle. We work by candlelight into all hours of the night … and I go to sleep during the day. The Count disappears just before sunup. Still not sure what to make of this.

I few times I woke before I wanted and tried some of the doors around the castle. Those of interest did not open. I’m beginning to feel trapped here. That howling noise that came from the taxi’s stereo system seems to have followed me here. It’s getting louder, especially after sundown. I asked the Count about it and he claims the noises are coming from the mountain’s wolves. God, I hope that not be it, for it is, I can never leave this place. I’d be eaten once I stepped out of the door.

Mina, I miss you.