Page 389 of Mercy Written in Blood

"That depends partly on what your mother chooses."

"And the rest?"

"On whether the people in this room learn to protect you without claiming you."

Mori's expression changed. Mina looked down at the white band before her.

Riku's mother spoke for the first time.

"I want to leave Tokyo."

Mori said, "That may not be safe."

"I didn't ask."

Haruki looked towards Ken.

"Can the Family arrange it?"

"Yes."

"Without surveillance?"

Mori objected.

"We cannot lose contact with a confirmed descendant."

Riku's mother stood. The chair moved sharply against the floor.

"He is not a confirmed anything."

Mori stopped. Haruki saw the moment he realised institutional vocabulary had entered a room where it no longer carried automatic authority.

Renji spoke quietly.

"His blood responded to mine."

The mother looked towards him. Fear. Not of Renji himself. Of what the statement meant. Renji continued.

"That does not create an obligation."

Riku studied him.

"Am I like you?"

"No." The answer came gently. "You are yourself. Your ancestry may connect you to my family. That is all we know."

"Will I become a vampire?"

"No."

"Can I do what you did?"

Renji paused.

"Perhaps some part of it. Perhaps nothing. Bloodlines change across generations."

Mori said, "Which is why assessment is essential."