“Of course, you are,” Father said, pride flickering in his eyes. “That’s why I knew you’d return when the time was right. Rustpire blood doesn’t fade.”
“Your father had a strong believe,” Mother added, shooting him a look filled with years of unspoken tension. “Said if you were meant to come home, you’d walk back on your own.”
“And here you are.” Father lifted his glass slightly. “Just as I expected.”
Their words settled over me like a heavy cloak. They’d stood by and watched our territory crumble—piece by piece—yet still chose to shield me from the truth.
“I didn’t leave because I didn’t want to part of the Rustpire anymore,” I whispered. “I ran away because I thought… I ran into the better life I wanted.”
“We know,” Mother said, squeezing my hand. “We understand.”
“How do I help?” The offer left my lips before my mind could catch up. Five years running from this world… and here I was stepping straight back into its jaws.
Mother and Father traded another quiet look. One that made my stomach knot.
“What?” I straightened. “Just say it to me.”