"Your father was human," Kenny began quietly, "and your mother… she was the queen of vampires. They fell in love, but they had to hide you. If anyone discovered a child born from a human and a vampire, they would've come after you. But no one found out—not at first."
Maria stood frozen, her breath shallow.
"Your mother died five years ago during the war with the werewolves. It wasn't the werewolves who killed your father. They tortured him, yes—but they didn't kill him. They knew he had no part in the war."
Kenny's voice cracked.
"The ones who killed him… were your mother's own family. When they found out about the two of them, they murdered him. But they didn't know he had a daughter. They never found you."
Maria's eyes widened. Her voice was barely a whisper. "You saw her die?"
"I did," Kenny nodded. "They let me and your father go. He was injured—he tried to fight the werewolves. But your mother…" He swallowed hard. "She died a terrible death. Locked in a room. Chained. She died from the sun."
"The sun… killed her?" Maria asked, stunned.
Kenny nodded. "Do you know why it hasn't killed you?"
"I don't know. I don't understand any of this," Maria replied shakily.
"It's because you're half-human… and half-vampire. Low-ranking vampires can't withstand sunlight. But your mother could. She was powerful. But she fought for two days straight. Her energy—her resistance—was gone. When the sun rose, it burned her alive."
Kenny looked down, his voice heavy with guilt. "After that, the werewolves threw me and your father out of their territory. That's when he was captured by vampires… and slaughtered."
He clenched his fists. "I was a coward. Even though he was my son… I hid. I didn't know what to do. I was terrified. And I know I'll never forgive myself."
Tears streamed down his face.
Maria couldn't speak. Her throat was tight. Her mind spinning.
Then Kane stepped forward.
"I hope I'm not interrupting your family moment," he said gently. "But… the place where she was killed—it must've been the Judgment Chamber. I'm certain of it."
He looked at Maria.
"She was the one who killed me, too. I told you before—me and Maria, we're the same. And I mean no harm to you, Mr. Kenny. I don't want anything bad for you. I'm an outcast.
"They tried to kill me because I'm half-human… and half-werewolf.
"They murdered both my mother and father. Then they came for me too—but I escaped. That's why I'm here."
Kenny's expression hardened. "And what makes you think I'll believe you? What do you want from me? I don't understand you people—supernatural creatures. You shouldn't exist."
"Grandpa, please! Stop," Maria cried out, her voice trembling. "Not another word."
Kenny turned to her, his face softening. He stepped closer.
"What do you think, Maria? After all this… what do you want to do?"
Kane looked into her eyes.
"I want revenge… for what they did to my parents. My clan… they killed your mother during the war. I know you might hate me for that. But please…"
He paused.
"It looks like your powers haven't awakened yet. But I believe they will.
And when they do…"
He extended his hand toward her.
"Join me. Let's destroy the werewolf clan—together."