"Grandpa, there's nothing to worry about. Just put the gun down. You don't understand what's in front of you—he's not like anything you've seen before," Maria said calmly but firmly.
Kenny—her real grandfather—didn't move. The gun stayed pointed.
Then Kane stood up slowly. "I'm not going to cause any harm."
"Then what are you? Why are you in my house? What do you want?" Grandpa snapped, eyes sharp.
"I was injured. This young woman brought me in. I'm grateful for that," Kane replied, voice calm. "But I'll be leaving now. Sorry for the trouble."
"Well then leave, you damn beast," Grandpa spat. "But hear this—I'm a human. Just an ordinary man. But the thing that killed my son… that creature… I'll never forgive it."
Maria's breath caught. "What do you mean? The one who killed my father was a werewolf? And him—he's a werewolf?"
"I knew it," she muttered, almost to herself. "I knew he wasn't human."
"I'm sorry I caused you trouble," Kane said. "And thank you for helping me, Maria. I didn't even know your name until your grandfather said it. So… thank you."
He paused.
"My name is Kane. And I'll be going now."
He took a step toward the door. Kenny's gun followed him closely with each movement. At the doorway, Kane stopped, glanced over his shoulder, and said softly, "You're not as human as you think you are."
"What's that supposed to mean? I am human," Maria shot back. "I'm not a creature like you."
Kenny's eyes stayed locked on Kane. "Please," he said, quieter now. "Just go. Leave this house."
Kane turned, but suddenly winced, a deep pain rippling through his muscles. The old scar across his ribs flared, hot and sharp.
"Shit… I'm still not healed," he muttered, barely steady.
He staggered forward. Maria rushed to his side and caught his arm.
"Please wait," she said, then turned to her grandfather. "Grandpa, let him stay."
"Grandpa, stop," she said again, still holding Kane's hand.
She looked into her grandfather's eyes, voice trembling. "You always told me I was different. That's why I never went to school… why I never made friends. I studied alone, lived quietly—like I was hidden. So please, Grandpa… tell me the truth. Is it true? Am I not fully human?"
Kenny didn't answer at first. He stared at the floor, his grip on the gun tightening. Then under his breath, he cursed, "Damn it… because of this bastard. This werewolf. Now she's going to know… she's going to find out."
He sighed deeply.
"She's grown… Maybe it's time."
He lowered the gun.
"Yes… it's true," he said at last. "You're human, Maria. But not just human."
"Why?" she asked.
Kenny hesitated. His hands shook, and sweat formed on his brow.
"I never meant to keep this from you," he said slowly. "But that's why I kept you away from people. Sometimes… creatures—like vampires—can be drawn to people like you. It's in your blood. That's why I didn't want you going into the city. That's why I made you stay close. I didn't want anyone finding you."
"I'm sorry," he added, lowering his head. The gun slipped from his grip and fell to the floor with a dull thud.
Maria stared at him, her throat tight. Tears welled in her eyes.
"I didn't expect… that could be the reason," she whispered. "But now at least I know."
She turned to him again, voice quiet but full of pain. "Then tell me this… Who killed my mom? Who killed my dad? Because… I've been alone for as long as I can remember."
She let go of Kane's hand and slowly walked toward her grandfather.