Prologue

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

A gentle autumn breeze carried the powerful voice through a small apartment window in Washington D.C. The voice was the first thing Anastasia heard when she gained consciousness. The loud sounds of the roaring cars outside contrasted with the cheering of the supportive crowd. Even the faintest noise could be heard by Anastasia but all she did was concentrate on the voice.

"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."

She opened her eyes.

The young girl couldn't explain the tingly sensation that ran through her body before stopping completely. Her eyes scanned the ceiling before narrowing down at a corner. She could see detail not even a professional sniper could. Every crack and speckle of dust that surrounded her could be easily spotted.

Anastasia sat up, the bloody sheet under her rustling as she made slow movements. She examined her arms and then her bare legs. They looked paler than usual to her and she couldn't quite figure why. She narrowed her eyes and glanced around her room. Nothing seemed out of place. Just her senses seemed to have increase.

"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

"You're awake."

Her head snapped towards the voice. The boy was younger than her, but his stern frame intimidated her. When she met his eyes, she screamed.

They were blood red.

She backed up into a wall at full force, too quickly for a human to even see. She gasped as she looked behind her, noticing she had caused cracks in the wall. She turned back to the mysterious man who watched her with adoration.

"What have you done to me?" Anastasia hissed. Her mouth suddenly began to burn like never before. She shrieked as it became unbearable. She couldn't speak.

"Painful, isn't it?" The man mused as he neared her. She froze.

"You were never meant to be human, mi tesoro. Master Aro will be thrilled with you now," he spoke softly, trying not to frighten her. He stroked her hair and smirked when he saw her physically flinch.

"What have you done to me?"

The man snickered.

"You're a vampire now, Anastasia."

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

//Jasper Hale//

*I Had a Dream speech by Martin Luther King Jr.