86. Everything out of balance

“I really thought he saw me as a daughter,” she whispered, sitting down on the cold stone steps beside the ancient casket. “I had no idea I was just another pawn… that he’d use me to destroy my own people.” Ryanne knelt beside her, his tone soft but steady. “It’s not about vampires or werewolves, Rose. Good and evil don’t wear fangs or fur. I’ve met kind werewolves and cruel vampires, and vice versa. The stories our ancestors told… maybe they were poisoned by pain and vengeance too.” He gently wiped a tear from her cheek. That was when she noticed it—blood trickling down his forearm. Her breath caught as she grabbed his wrist. “Ryanne… your arm. You’ve been bitten. Why isn’t it healing?” He glanced down at the wound, then offered a weak smile and a shrug. “Maybe we’re not vampires anymore.” Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?” “It’s not just us,” he said, his expression darkening. “Something bigger is happening. And it’s affecting more than just our kind.” Rose's heart skipped. His wo