The Emerald Necklace

The novel interweaves the historical figures Radu the Handsome and his brother Vlad III (Dracula) with a supernatural love story involving vampires and themes of eternal love and redemption. Radu, transformed into a vampire by Vlad, struggles with his new identity after Vlad kills his beloved wife, Maria Despina. Radu avenges her death by killing Vlad and adopts the name Prince Lucian Radu, seeking a way to reunite with Maria through an enchanted emerald necklace. Vivian Dubois travels to Budapest for a new job and to move beyond her past and find herself anew after her painful divorce. She travels to Transylvania with her friend, Elana. Elana is compelled to escort her friend to Dracula’s castle due to Vivian’s striking resemblance to Maria. Within the castle, the portrait of Maria is enchanted; all who view it feel an irresistible urge to bring someone with Maria’s likeness to Bran Castle. The villagers are afraid of Vivian. In the castle Vivian finds the portrait of Maria, who looks strikingly like her. This prompts questions about their connection. When Vivian tries on Maria’s emerald necklace, its clasp draws blood, awakening Lucian in the castle below who was in the deep slumber of stasis. Lucian observes Vivian wearing the necklace and attempts to establish a connection by entering her dreams and facilitating shared experiences, with the intention of persuading her to acquiesce. Vivian experiences vivid dreams that blur the lines between her current life and her past as Maria, deepening her connection to the castle. Vivian encounters the extremely handsome Lucian, the vampire prince, who reveals a deep connection to her and her past life as Maria. Vivian is drawn to Lucian’s captivating presence, which evokes memories of a past love and ignites a deep connection. Vivian feels a familiar intimacy with Lucian, reminiscent of Maria’s past connection with him. She is falling in love with this vampire. Eventually, Lucian proposes a life of eternal love and companionship, inviting Vivian to join him in his world. He offers Vivian the chance to escape the limitations of mortality and experience countless lifetimes together. Vivian grapples with the seductive idea of eternal life offered by Lucian, which promises escape from mortality’s limitations. Vivian faces a monumental decision that will define her existence, weighing the allure of immortality against the loss of her humanity. Will Vivian accept Lucian’s offer of eternal life and eternal love?