Fangs Across Eternity

One Pound a Month

*Knock Knock*

A dull thud echoed through the small dining room, cutting through the warm clatter of spoons against plates. Steam curled up from a pot of porridge, and the faint scent of fried eggs lingered in the air.

Lydia pushed her chair back, ready to rise, but her mother’s hand shot out, fingers tightening around her wrist.

“I’ll get it,” she said softly, already moving toward the door.

Her palm lingered on the handle. “Yes? How can we help you?”

A deep voice responded from the other side, calm but heavy. “Greetings. We’re here for the name Adrian Alexander.”

The door creaked open, and the morning light revealed two men in black suits, polished shoes reflecting the dust of the road. Their white ties were crisp, one wore sunglasses, while the other wore a hat.

“That’s my son,” his mother answered warily. “I hope there’s no problem?”

From the table, Adrian and the others leaned forward, the food forgotten.

The taller of the men inclined his head. “We come on government order. We have reason to believe your son is… an awakener.”

The word dropped like a stone into still water.

Adrian’s mother stepped aside quickly. “Please, come in.”

“Adrian.” Her voice carried across the dining room, tight with unease.

But Jordan, her husband, was already standing, his broad shoulders tense. Adrian rose too, his chair scraping the floor.

“Kids, take your food to your rooms,” Jordan ordered, his voice firm. The younger ones didn’t argue, they hurriedly gathered their plates and scurried away, glancing back with wide eyes.

The two strangers entered, movements precise, like men used to being obeyed.

“Sit, please,” Jordan gestured, his tone polite but guarded.

They lowered themselves into the chairs opposite Adrian’s family.

“You know why we’re here,” the first man with his hat on began, his voice low and deliberate. “A report came in of a young awakener in this town. A fortunate sign, transcendents are rare these days…” He paused, letting silence hang.

Everyone leaned closer despite themselves.

“But…” His words lingered.

“But what?” Adrian’s mother pressed, her hands twisting in her lap.

The man removed his shades, his eyes dark and steady. “But new transcendents often lose control.”

Jordan’s brow furrowed. “Lose control, how?” Though his boss, the police chief, had hinted at this before, Jordan wanted to hear it from the government itself.

The man folded his hands. “When awakening begins, their spiritual sensitivity spikes. Some see things not meant to be seen. Some hear voices. Some can’t sleep at all. If they fail to stabilize, best case, they burn out and die. Worst case… they descend into madness. Or mutate into monsters.”

His tone dropped, heavy as iron. “Last month, a blonde girl in Riverford lost control, she ran mad. Her summons tore through her home and… slaughtered her own family.”

Adrian’s mother gasped, her hand flying to her lips. Jordan’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close.

But Adrian himself remained unnervingly calm. His gaze met the man’s. “There must be a way to prevent this.”

The second man, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “Yes, there are potions with training and guidance. We offer tools to help you rise above your power before it consumes you. The government maintains a vast supply, especially tailored for beast-type awakeners.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. “By offer, you mean you want me to work for you.”

The man smiled faintly. “Sharp boy. Yes. But it isn’t by force. As long as you’re registered with the government or a recognized church, no one will trouble you. If you go through the church, they may help, but expect strings attached. And if you choose to remain independent, you’ll pay for every potion you use out of pocket.”

He leaned forward slightly, his voice steady but enticing.

“With us, the government offers more. Your family will have twenty-four-hour protection, police watching from the shadows here in MoonBrook or any city you move to. If danger comes, squads will be dispatched immediately. On top of that, one pound monthly as your base pay, bonuses for your contributions, and even a new apartment in a safer district.”

From the hallway, Theron and the others froze, eyes wide. One pound every month? That’s practically noble living! Their hearts raced at the thought of such wealth.

Clara, too young to understand a word of it, simply mirrored her siblings, mouth agape, eyes shining, because that’s what the “big ones” were doing.

Even Jordan and his wife exchanged stunned looks. Protection, money, status, it was more than they had ever dreamed of.

Adrian, for the first time, felt his heart stir with temptation.

The two men rose smoothly, buttoning their jackets. “We’ll take our leave now, Mr. Adrian. Think carefully, we will be back in three days.”

The door clicked shut behind them. Silence clung to the room until Theron burst forward, eyes shining. “Bro! You have to consider this crazy offer!”

“Theron,” Jordan’s voice cut sharp, though his own hands trembled slightly, “It’s your brother’s decision. Don’t push him.”

“Your father’s right,” their mother added, still pale. “We can’t let him sacrifice his safety for ours.”

“I know, I know…” Theron muttered, shoulders slumping, his excitement drained into guilt.

But his eyes still glowed with longing. “Still… one pound a month. Do you know how insane that is? That’s twenty years’ wages for an ordinary man, without eating food or drink. Bro… that’s basically wealth. At this point, i am beginning to think school is a scam, being a transcendent is the way out.”

Lydia rolled her eyes at her third elder brother, her lips curling into a mocking smile.

“Good thing you weren’t the one who awakened. You’d probably lose control the very first day, blinded by money before you even saw your power.”

Her jab cut sharp at Theron’s obvious greed. Adrian and his parents had to press their lips together to keep from laughing, while Clara, the baby of the house, burst into giggles without even understanding, delighted just because the others were.

Theron’s face flushed crimson, and for a moment it really looked like steam was hissing from his ears.

“You dare say that again?” he growled, fists clenched.

With a squeal, Lydia darted behind their mother’s back, sticking her tongue out at him like a cheeky imp.