In the 15th century, brothers Vlad and Radu live as hostages in the Ottoman Empire, where they befriend Prince Mehmed, heir to the Ottoman throne, and become skilled warriors. When their father, Vlad Dracul, is assassinated by the rebel Vladislav, the brothers and Mehmed return to Wallachia to reclaim the throne. Defeated and left near death, Vlad encounters the ancient Master, who revives him as a vampire.
Vlad uses his newfound power to defeat Vladislav and becomes ruler of Wallachia, but his growing bloodlust soon turns his reign into a terror. Radu and Mehmed eventually turn against him, forcing Vlad into exile in Hungary, where King Matthias Corvinus takes him in and marries him to his cousin, the prophetess Justina. They have a son, Mihnea, and Vlad briefly finds peace.
Years later, Vlad returns to Wallachia to negotiate with Radu, now its ruler. Overcome by his vampiric nature, he murders his brother and realizes he has become a monster. After saying goodbye to Justina and Mihnea, Vlad faces an army led by Mehmed and Basarab, Vladislav's vengeful brother.
Defeated and presumed dead, Vlad is revived by the Master. Heartbroken, he chooses to abandon his family and country, wandering the world alone.
