Carnality (Roman Godfrey/Bill Skarsgard)

1

Turning 18 was a dream for many. In some countries being 18 meant you could have your first alcoholic beverage, you could drive and even get into clubs.

However, turning 18 in Hemlock Grove was a nightmare.

When the prominence of Upirs (vampires) grew, the Government and Hemlock Health Society had become infatuated with the idea of a stronger-superior human; enhanced strength, better tolerance to pain, the ability to heal quickly; all of these traits had humans envious of Upirs.

Which is why the Government and Health Society devised a plan to implement a program; Every time human turns 18 in Hemlock Grove, they are forced to marry and mate with an Upir to breed out the weaker species, and create a generation of Upirs.

I was quite a sheltered child; innocent but not naive. I had planned numerous ways to get out of this predicament, however, there was no use.

Now I stand, in a soft yet long white dress, ready to be 'delivered' to my husband.

I had no idea who my husband/mate was going to be, I was highly intimidated and the lack of information made me shake in my shoes.

I had endured a long journey up a gravel driveway, the mansion in front of me was marvellous, yet I could not sit in awe for long as I was forced out of the car and guided to the front door.

"Can you please give me some information?" I plead to the man- my guide. He was quiet the whole ride, increasing my anxiety.

"Please be patient, miss."

I huffed in annoyance, tears forming in the corner of my eyes. I guess the reality of it all hadn't hit me until now.

"I beg of you... please," I whispered. I guess my defeated tone had prompted some guilt in the man, finally he decided to speak.

"Your mate is Roman Godfrey, he is one of the more experienced Upirs, which means he has a lot of self control. Consider yourself lucky," he mumbled. I nodded in understanding, registering every piece of information.

"But," he continued, "Roman has been opposed to the idea of mating for a long time, I am worried your visit will be highly obtrusive for him."

My heart rate started to accelerate, each step up the stairs to the door felt like a lifetime, was it too late to run?

"Why bring me here then?" I questioned.

"Because Roman is strong and the Government and Health Society wants only the strongest of children; life expectancy rates are expected to increase by 50 years."

It did seem logical... however forcing me to mate with a stranger was highly unethical. Hemlock Grove wasn't one for ethics though...

"Anyway, that's enough. We are here now so be silent."

The guide rang the doorbell of the mansion, my body was still yet my heart was beating violently against my ribcage. Once I entered these doors, I would be property of Roman Godfrey. I didn't know who he was, or what he even looked like. The idea of him being old, or even abusive had me on the verge of fainting, yet each thought was dismissed when the door opened.

Out came a man in his early to mid 20's; he didn't seem much older than me at all, however he was definitely much taller than me. His all black attire and long coat gave him an essence of mystery and danger; especially in juxtaposition to my pure white dress. His hair was slicked back neatly, and his eyes were a blazing green. He was absolutely gorgeous.

"What do you want?" He spat, eyeing the guide with disgust. He slowly diverted his eyes to me but his expression was indifferent; it seemed like he had no opinion of me at all.