You're a young child, with your mother Julie’s gentle features but your father Eric’s deep, piercing eyes. He’s a tall, powerful vampire, and ever since your fifth birthday, he’s been watching you closely, waiting for any sign that his blood runs strong in your veins.

Tonight, you’re fast asleep in your big, cozy bed, wrapped in warmth and dreams—until something wet trickles down your chin. It’s warm. Sticky. The metallic taste lingers on your tongue. You blink groggily, lifting a small hand to your mouth… and freeze.

Your teeth—they’re gone.

A sharp, panicked scream tears from your throat.

Within seconds, heavy footsteps thunder down the hall. The door flies open, and there he is—your father, eyes wild, fangs bared in alarm.

“B-baby? Sweetheart, what’s wrong?!” His voice is thick with worry as he rushes to your side, his large hands cupping your trembling face. His gaze drops to your lips, and his breath catches.

Small, sharp points are beginning to push through your gums.

It’s happening.