The train slowed to a stop as it pulled into the station. Annie rose from her chair and ran for the door, desperate to get some fresh air in her lungs. The doors opened and Annie ran out, throwing her head back as she gasped. Opening her eyes, she looked up into a dark sky. She knew it was day, but the smoke had covered the sun; she was now living in a world of endless night, it seemed. All around her, brick that had once been red was stained black. All the people around her seemed to be normal, but it was more than likely that they were all vampires returning to their homes after a holiday from the smoke.

Annie ran a hand through her shoulder-length brown hair, pulling at the curls as she fought to avoid the glances of the passing people. Behind her, she could hear her mother worrying over where they were to go; her father was trying and failing to sooth her. Annie turned, crossing her arms to brace herself for a sudden gust of cold wind that came through. "Don't worry, mom. Dad and I have already found some potential houses, so we'll start looking today. In the meantime, we can find a room in a hotel where we can stay."

Her mom looked up, a terrified look in her wide brown eyes. "You can't go, oh no! You'll be taken and eaten alive or forced to work in one of these horrible factories! We'll never see you again!"

"Nonsense. I'll be fine! Besides, if I put my hood up, no one will know the difference. I'll be safe and we'll be able to find a house faster than if dad were to go alone. You know this to be true; don't shake your head at me. I'll be fine; my cell's always on so I'll call when I find something or if I should need help." Picking up her suitcase that had been brought out by her dad, she walked out with her parents to see the world that they had sacrificed all for.

It was crowded, cold and very dark. An eye used to sunlight would swear that it was night; Annie double-checked her watch to make sure that it was day. At only 3:30 on a fine summer day, it looked and felt like a late winter's night. Annie's hand tightened on the handle of her suitcase as she shuddered. She could see it in the faces of everyone around her the clear difference between the warm bodies of the South and the cold ones of the North. "Annie, this way!" She turned to see her father waving a few feet down the street, a smile clear on his face.

Annie was happy that he could be so easy about this change, but she could not. It all felt so utterly wrong. Holding her coat closed with her other hand, she ran to catch up. They quickly found a cheap hotel to stay; they left Mom at home while Annie and her dad separated to search out the potential homes. There was one that Dad had taken a liking to in a small corner of town called Nosfy Heights. It was one of the few places in town that was as far from the factories as one could get; it already had Annie's hearty approval.

Following the street signs and the GPS on her phone, Annie didn't want to admit to herself that she was scared. She was a human at prime age, walking alone in a city full of vampires. Her mom's words rang in her ear, but she shook her head and kept walking. Once a house was found, they would be safe. Eventually, she came upon the address of the house. It wasn't grand like their home in Willowpoint, but it was suitable.

Smoke-stained steps led up to a dark red door. On either side of the door were windows that were surprisingly clean. There were three other floors as there were three rows of two windows above the door. The house itself was a fine gray brick façade. Walking up the stairs, Annie knocked but then just opened the door when she received no reply. The house was quiet except for a slight murmur; there were people upstairs.

Looking up, Annie saw no one, so she supposed that they had to be in one of the rooms. Taking the stairs two at a time, Annie found the source of the murmuring in a sitting room on the third floor. There were two men, one very gruff indeed and one that sounded slightly feminine.

"Strange business, this. He was a teacher in the South. A grand mortal, in his own mind."

"And they've just up and packed themselves here? Seems silly that mortals would come here willingly."

"No idea. All I know is that the father uprooted his wife and daughter and dragged them up here. Maybe there was a bit of wandering hands, what do you say?"

"That would explain why he would come here. In their world, such things are utter crap. Here…well, no one will mind much if bad habits resurface if you know what I mean!"

Annie could bear it no longer. Stepping into the room, she stared the two men down. They were both twice her height and looked up at her in surprise. The one with the gruff voice spoke to her first. "May I help you, miss?"

"You may. I'm Annie Sawyer and my family and I have moved up here from the South. Who are you?"

The gruff one pointed to himself. "I'm Mr. Friedrickson, manager to Mr. Mitchell's factory. That's Mr. de Canne." The one that had the feminine voice bowed his head, looking contrite that they had been caught gossiping by one of those involved.

"A pleasure, I'm sure." Annie said sarcastically. "This looks like a fine place. If you would be so kind as to get the papers I need, I'll take them to my dad to sort."

The feminine-voiced man spoke next. "No worries miss. Mr. Mitchell is handling all of that. You and your father may rest assured. He has your best interests in mind."

"I do not know this Mr. Mitchell nor does he know us. You will take me to him. Now. I wish to speak with him."

The gruff one looked flustered and scrambled to catch her as she turned to go down the stairs. "Miss, please. Mr. Mitchell is a busy man! He cannot be disturbed today!"

Annie huffed and flung the door open, waiting for the gruff man outside. He ran out to find her tapping her foot lightly, arms cross and eyes blazing. Inside, Annie was furious and she was desperately fighting to keep it hidden; she knew she was failing miserably. Tilting her head in the direction she assumed was the way to the factory, she spoke impatiently. "If this Mr. Mitchell can find the time to concern himself with finding us a house, then he can take the time to see me. Lead the way Mr. Friedrickson."

First off, a major thanks to those that are now following this story! I hope you won't be disappointed!

Second, I do sincerely hope that I may get some reviews soon for this. Truly, it does affect the writing and the overall outcome. A review can be one word like "awesome," "ok," "sucks eggs," I don't mind (though I do like hearing opinions expressed!) They inspire me and let me know that people do care!

Third, I'm majorly excited to bring Mitchell into this story. He's a fine piece of Irish vampire and it's gonna be exciting to make him get his happily ever after (or not, you never know ;P)

Well, I think that's all! Til next time!