And, before science had caught up with the legend, the legend had swallowed science and everything. - Richard Matheson

"Death is a fascinating lure to men who can stand aside and watch it operate on someone else. (from "The Conqueror")"

It was not my pain but Ann’s. She was crying, frightened. Because I was hurt. She was afraid for me. I felt her anguish. She was suffering terribly. I tried to will away the shadows but I couldn’t. Tried in vain to speak her name. Don’t cry, I thought. I’ll be all right. Don’t be afraid. I love you, Ann. Where are you?

The vampire was real. It was only that his true story had never been told.