I scanned the grand mansion in front of me, wondering why the hell I agreed to the invite that was left on my doorstep. I just hoped that I wasn't being set up. It was a slip of paper addressed to me that kind of seemed fishy to me at first, but when I saw that it was from the city council I began to take interest.

Shaking my head in amazement at the tall structure of the white mansion, I remember the words that were written on it.

As request by the city council, 

 

You are invited to a mansion party that begins tomorrow evening. There are no restrictions on what you can and can't bring, but just know that an interesting challenge awaits you. You cannot back out of this as those who are reading this invite are selectively chosen to participate. 

The winner is awarded with a huge sum of money. Not only that, but great power will be granted to whoever wins.

Now, once you arrive you will be greeted by a man. He awaits you at the door, and will voice further rules and instructions of what is expected from this challenge.

There seemed to be no one else in sight. It was just me that came early, so I waited before someone else would come along. I started to shiver in the cold. The note said we can bring anything... 

Was my sword enough? 

For some reason I had a feeling I knew kind of party this really was about to be... 

"NiceJorgen walks in and just smiles at Vela and tells here that hes in in this"

I tilt my head slightly as I suddenly see NiceJorgen coming into view. 

"Um. Fancy seeing you here..." I started to smirk as I noticed that he didn't seem to have much to say about the whole ordeal. So I started to question what he brought to the mansion. Was I supposed to bring a plate of food or something? Did I just get the wrong idea about what was coming? 

That would be embarrassing to show up at a party with a sharp sword that demanded of people's blood! Quite sickening actually to think about. Just imagine walking into an atmosphere where everyone was just casually sipping on their wine and suddenly I show up armed and ready to fight someone.. 

I begin to walk towards the front entrance now as I feel okay with just one person walking beside me. Maybe the others would come, who knows. 

A man holding onto a cane stick was at the door. His moustache was very neat and curly and I shook my head in amazement at how big it was compared to the small shape of his face. 

"Welcome Vela and NiceJorgen. Now we must wait for the others, but in the meantime please step inside the mansion and make yourselves at home with the delicious refreshments the city council has provided." 

Kristoff reads the note addressed from City Council. Always up for a challenge, he knew right away that this was the type of thing he liked. But why me he thought. He had not been around these parts for long. He'd barely heard a whisper of his name in the street. Yet here he is, being invited to a lavish mansion by City freaking Council.

The following evening he arrived at the mansion. He had already gathered things he thought he would need, and dressed in his best suit.

Anyone who knows anything will tell you that mansions are huge. This was massive. He had never seen anything like it before. In fact that's what was very odd. He didn't even notice this residence. Even though he drove by it every day on his collection route. It's like it appeared there overnight.

He looks around to see a couple of cars in the large wide asphalt driveway. He figured either he was early and it was going to be a big event. Or he was late and it was going to be a quite small one. Either way his destination was clear.

Bang bang bang.

All he did was lift up the heavy brass knocker and drop it. Yet it slammed hard against its base through the force of its own gravity. He looked down feeling a little embarrassed that it was so loud. Just then the man with the cane opened the door sharply.

"Come in Mister Kristoff. The others are waiting."

The sound of the door swiftly opening made my head turn in eager curiosity. "We have a new visitor Vela! Keep him company why don't you?" The man pointed his cane stick towards my direction and flashed a toothy grin. I grimaced at the thought of social interaction, not really my cup of tea but I gave myself a little pep talk and it was like I gained a new level of confidence in myself. Making friends is fun!? I convinced myself to think.

I finished the last bite of the bruschetta, which seemed to melt in my mouth and I swallowed it down in satisfaction. Drinking it down with a glass of wine, I made my way over to Kristoff and excitement bubbled in my stomach. However, I was convinced that the gurgle sounds in my tummy was just the calm before the storm. The first chapter of a stomach ache. Damn wine. As I cleared my throat in an uncomfortable manner, I instantly regretted ever picking up that glass of red wine. 

Forcing a smile on my flushed face, I reached out my hand and looked to the man standing before me. I was hoping that I would get back a friendly response, or even a response at all, though it seemed that maybe the nerves got the best of him. Did he forget I was talking to him? I followed where his eyes landed behind me, and as soon as I saw the... thing..

...I froze. I dropped my hand slowly, jaw dropping out of a mix of fear and anticipation. I can't believe I didn't notice it before.

Is. 

That.

A...