In a flash of Fangs

You're Invited

Desponté, not a normal name but it is my family name. My parents were part of a secret society and I was kept out of it to ensure nothing was leaked.

Well, I had been kept out of it until I was of age. Now at the ripe age of 18, I was being asked to turn my back on the world and join this society that would now hold my life in its hands. I wasn't too sure about signing over my life to some force I didn't know, but my parents seemed so happy to get the honor of having their child join the ranks so I couldn't just say no, could I?

This is my story, the one that changed the way I viewed life and not just what I thought life was but what it would become. Tulcea Lupeni was the society I belonged to for a short period of my time as a human. Now before I get ahead of myself here let me tell you about my life before it changed in a flash of fangs.

My name is Stela Desponté, I was turning 18 in a few weeks and my parents started getting excited, I had no idea why but figured it was a grand birthday present or something. Boy was I in for a surprise. I kept asking them what they got me even if I got a tiny hint I would be satisfied but they were the masters of keeping their mouths shut.

I finally gave up the day before my big day and I remember waking up in my large circular room. The sheets felt heavy and warm against my skin, a tiny bit of sunlight trickled into my room from a far window to my left. The sunlight causing the dust in my room to dance in swirling circles wherever the light hit it, I was mesmerized for a few minutes. I felt as though I was seeing things for the last time as a child with wonder in my eyes. With a heavy sigh, I pulled back the covers and slid my legs out over the bed. I ran my hands through my hair and held my head in my hands before getting ready for the day just like I did every day.

I could hear the noises from my family down below and I hesitated at the doorway to the kitchen before plastering a fake smile on my face.

"Good morning dear!" my mom yelled from behind the immense fridge door. I smiled at her and sat down at the kitchen table that was already brimming with breakfast foods. It looks like mom had a brunch ready even though no one was coming till tomorrow for my birthday. She was always cooking for more people than there were in the house and I never understood why. Dad always said she was cooking for an army and if only at the time I knew that it was a true statement and not just a phrase.

The day went on and I didn't feel any different, hell I didn't even feel like my birthday was going to be tomorrow. I guess growing up is just adding more days and the numbers don't really mean much. You would think that being 18 you get free reign of your life now that you are considered an adult, but not with me I was losing my freedom even more. I went to bed wondering how my life would be like once I turn 18. I had all these visions of being on my own in the world, traveling with friends and just having fun. I fell asleep with a smile on my face oblivious to what would really be happening tomorrow.

The big day was here I was turning 18 and I couldn't be more tired for some reason. I opened my eyes and was so comfortable under my blankets that I wondered if I could spend my birthday in bed. I knew mom wouldn't have that so I lifted the covers to get out of bed when I noticed there was a package on my bedside table with a small intricate note next to it. I stood up and walked over looking around the room to see who might have left this but saw nothing. I picked up the letter and it read.

Happy 18th Birthday.

You are cordially invited to a party dedicated to you, beside this note is a package just for you, I hope you enjoy.

M&D

I smiled looking at the note and set it down before looking at the package. It wasn't small but I couldn't figure out what could be inside, I thought about shaking it but was afraid I might break it, so instead I lifted it and walked back to my bed and sat down. It was beautifully wrapped in a mixture of gray and a teal on either side with the ribbon perfectly in the center, I knew mom was the one who wrapped it. I pulled on the ends of the ribbon and it slid off the wrapping softly not even making a sound. I lifted the box and unwrapped it carefully not to tear it and opened the box, inside it, had tons of tissue paper and a small item in the center of it all nestled as if sleeping like a child. I gingerly picked up the paper and started to unwrap the item, curiosity peeking my interest as I could hear a jingling as I pulled the paper away.