Anika is unusual in that she was not claimed in a village tithe, but was in fact selected by Lord Alois for possible elevation to vampirism and aristocracy. Anika however failed during her testing when she spilled a goblet of blood over the Lord. She claimed to have been tripped by Karla von und zu Dunkledorf who was also being tested at that time. Her punishment was to be refused the elevation and instead made into a thrall, in the service of Herrin Karla. Herrin Karla added her own twist by naming her Ausfall (Failure) and branding it on her chest, which she was ordered to keep displayed at all times.