"I don't know what to say about this. I just feel… so angry," Maria said.
"Then let that anger burn," Kane replied. "It's good to be angry. You have to make them regret everything they've done. I know I'm one of them too—half werewolf—but you have to join me."
He still had his hand stretched out toward her.
"Hey! Move back. Move away from my daughter—my granddaughter! Move away from Maria!" her grandfather shouted, stepping forward, trying to grab Kane.
"Grandpa, please stop!" Maria cried. "Stop! You've been hiding too many things from me. Please, don't say another word."
Kane froze.
Maria was shaking with frustration.
Then, she grabbed his hand.
"Yes. I want to destroy them. I want them all to suffer for what they did. They took my mother away from me," she said through gritted teeth, wiping her tears with her other hand.
"It's already night," Kane said. "The moon's out. I've fully recovered. Even if I left now, it wouldn't be a problem."
He turned to the window. "Watch me. Watch and see the creature you're going to be up against."
Then he leapt.
The moonlight struck his skin—and in an instant, he transformed.
Maria ran to the window and looked down.
A giant stood below. A towering, wolf-like creature on two legs. He looked up at her, his glowing eyes fierce, his voice thick and powerful.
"Maria, this is what you're up against. You'll be fighting hundreds like me. Can you do this—just me and you?"
Maria stared down at him. Her voice rang out clear.
"Yes! I can!"
Her grandfather stood in silence, then stepped toward her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"This isn't the kind of life I wanted for you," he said quietly. "We could live here—just the two of us. Safely."
"No, Grandpa. My life's been… boring. Empty. I've been tired for so long. At least now, I have something to fight for. Even if I'm sad… for the first time, I'm not bored."
Without hesitating, Maria jumped from the window.
Kane caught her easily, surprised—but steady.
Slowly, he shifted back into human form.
Maria looked him in the eyes. "Now tell me everything you know about vampires."
"That's not what you need to worry about right now," Kane said gently. "I've already recovered. At night, I can shift between human and werewolf freely. But during the day—under sunlight—I'm at a huge disadvantage."
He held her gaze. "Let me tell you about myself. So you'll understand. I was hunted. My wounds heal slower in the day. That's not good for a werewolf."
"You're a vampire," he continued. "I don't know all the disadvantages of being half-vampire. But I know vampires are powerful. Just as strong as we are. They have inhuman strength. And they drink blood. At least, that's what I've heard. What they crave most is human blood. Though… I'm not sure it's true."
"Well, I don't like human blood. I don't even like the idea of it," Maria replied.
Kane leaned in, his face close to hers.
"Then maybe I've figured something out," he said. "Do you see why you haven't awakened yet? You need blood to awaken. I'm not certain… but that might be it. Or… do you want to try that?"
"Never. I'd never do something so disgusting," Maria said, pulling back. "There has to be another way."
"Okay, good. Then we'll find another way," Kane said. He paused. "I haven't seen the city. Would you mind going with me? It's night—I want to see what it's like."
"Yes. I can show you around," Maria replied.
Kane transformed into a massive werewolf, then gently lifted her into his arms. With a powerful leap, he soared high over the compound gates.
Kenny stood watching from below. He wanted to stop them—but he knew Maria wouldn't allow it.
So he said nothing… and let them go.