It all started four years ago…

I was sitting in my room, sobbing. A huge welt had formed on my cheek and cuts spanned my whole body. I was scared. My whole body was shaking, my eyes were misted over, and sounds rang in my ears.

That's when I saw him.

He was dead, that much I knew. If I was scared before, I was terrified now. His cold, blue eyes stared into my soul, like he could see what was going on within me.

"Anna Maslin! Night has chosen thee; thy death will be thy birth. Night calls to thee; hearken to Her sweet voice. Your destiny awaits you at the House of Night!" As soon as he said the last words, my forehead started to burn. It didn't hurt, but it felt uncomfortable.

Rushing to the bathroom, I looked in the mirror. My skin is usually pale and doesn't have many highlights. The pale blonde of my hair complimented my features quite nicely. But this time, I saw the outline of a sapphire crescent moon on my forehead. It stood out, majorly. It made me look paler and it made me look blonder.

It was the Mark that told the world, I was a vampyre.

The sun hurt my eyes. And even though it was the middle of the winter, I didn't feel the cold. I felt the breeze go across my skin but it wasn't cold, nor was it warm.

In the distance I could see a dark cloud looming over Chicago. The snow storm was coming.

Trudging along, I found my way to the Chicago House of Night.

A woman was waiting outside the gates. Her eyes were a deep green and her hair was a light red. She was gorgeous. Her body was slim, tall, and had a great figure. Compared to me, she looked like a goddess.

"Welcome," Her voice was as soft as silk, "My new fledgling. Welcome to the House of Night!" She made a gesture to the large building behind her. It was a gothic cathedral, and it looked absolutely beautiful against the sun.

I nodded.

"What would you like to name yourself?"

"What?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Every fledgling is allowed to give themselves a name and start over with a new life. So my dear, what is your new name?"

I thought for a moment. Then I knew what name I wanted.

"Iris…Iris Maslin."

She smiled at me, warming me with the sense of safety and love.

"I am this House of Night's High Priestess, Nedina."

"What's a High Priestess?"

She chuckled, "You will soon find out, my dear."

Well, that wasn't much help.

"So, child, are you ready to begin your new life?"

Nodding, I took her hand as she led me into the House of Night, where everything would start over for me.

This was my new life.