I sprint away and keep running until I reach the kitchen. I sit on the counter.

What did Wirrin mean? Genesis makes me hate him? What powers? Why can't he control them around me? Does it have something to do with my feelings? it's weird. When he's around...

"You better hope Cybelle doesn't catch you up there."

Landon startles me from my thoughts as he enters the kitchen.

"Landon. You scared me. Thanks for the sandwiches."

"Hm. Glad to see you're feeling better."

I nod, still deep in thought. Landon pauses and sighs.

"Something bothering you?"

"Why don't you leave?"

His question throws me off guard.

"Why do you ask?"

"You clearly hate it here. You hate Genesis. Even with everything he's done for you and the rest of us."

"Took me away from my parents? My brother? Kept me here, away from the outside world? I should be grateful? He's a vampire! He murders children! Just not me for some unspoken reason! When he's ready, when it's my time. Bullshit!"

"Cyan, calm down. Look at the rest of us. Cybelle's been here longer than you. Naomi is only 7. None of us have been-"

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Landon."

We both jump at Doctor Faum's voice. He pats the boy on the back. Landon looks away and practically mumbles.

"The truth is right in front of you."

"Mister Landon..."

Landon rolls his eyes and steps away from the Doctor.

"See you later"

He walks out of the kitchen and I turn to the Doctor confused.

"Don't worry about him, dear. Let's check that arm in my office."

I follow Doctor Faum and we sit in his office.

"So, how are you feeling?"

"Not that great honestly."

He nods and begins writing something down.

"Yes, you had a fever most of the night. I can't see your arm because of the cast but I don't think it's infected. Just in case I'll give you an antibiotic with the morphine. Please don't use it to crawl into a shelf this time, yes?"

"Agreed. I'm sorry for causing trouble."

"Nonsense Miss Cyan. Now, um. Are you experiencing any changes? Appetite, body temperature, anything?"

"No. What an odd question."

His eyes dart to my wrist as he pulls out a thermometer.

"Just some precautions dear."

"No one bit me."

He just nods and sticks the thermometer in my mouth.

"You had a high fever yesterday."

He writes down something and pulls out his pocket watch.

"What-"

"Your wrist dear."

"Why do you need it?"

He sighs.

"Your pulse."

I hold out my wrist and his eyes linger on the faint marks. Once he's checked my pulse, he writes again.

"Open your mouth."

"Why?"

"Cyan, please. I'm aware of Mr. Vadell's actions yesterday."

"He didn't bite me."

"Cyan."

"He didn't! Just scratched-"

"With his teeth. Do you have any idea how easily Vampirism is spread? It's like a plague. There are multiple ways to become infected. I've seen it with my very eyes. It's barbaric, cruel, and has no place in modern society."

I stare at him.

"Doctor Faum..."

"Pardon me if I'd like to make sure you won't savagely murder any of the human beings in this house while they're sleeping."

"You work for a vampire!"

"Genesis has always had a level head. I've only seen him turn 3 men in my time here. And that was at their insistence. I've seen him turn down saving dying children because he knows dying is better than becoming a slave to blood. What he did last night was reckless and idiotic! You imped his better judgement and he needs to let you go!"

"Finished?"

We both turn to see Coen at the door.

"Yes, let the others know she's fine."