A year. One year has passed. The monster law had been amended, but that didn't mean vampires did not still make humans uncomfortable.

Hye-Su looked at me. "해원아 괜찮아요?" (Are you alright, Haewon ah ?) I sighed as I watched Elijah play in the yard. We both had to adjust to living in the vampire part of town. It is affectionately called "Sanguine Ridge" given we are a bit hidden by the surrounding mountains.

"She really gave us up... She hasn't been by once..." It was obvious why I was so aggravated. Our mom hadn't come to see us since Hye-Su took us in a year ago. "Your mother loves you & Elijah. This situation is no easier for her, Haewon."

Hye-Su gave me a smile. "Why don't you go out, Haewon ah ? I'll watch over Elijah." I lived my brother, but I am utterly exhausted. I had put all my energy into looking after her. Which means I haven't had any time for myself. "혜수씨, 정말 감당할 수 있겠어요? 제가 엘리야를 보는 것 때문에 당신에게 부담을 주지 않았으면 좋겠어요." (You sure you can handle that, Hye-Su ? I don't want you to feel like I am burdening you with watching Elijah.)

"I can handle it. Go have some fun, Haewon ah." I didn't need any more encouragement. I got ready & went to see my mother. My heartbeat was quick as I grew more nervous as I approached my old home. Everything was quiet & eerie. 

I knocked on the door, but got no response. So I let myself in after a few moments of listening out for anything. I walked through looking for my mom when I heard laughter in the backyard. "Mom, can we talk about--", I had started to say when I caught the scene in front of me. "Haewon ? Why are you here ?" My mother quickly said as my eyes shifted over to who she was with.

"Dad ?" My father awkwardly rubbed his neck as my mother interjected. "You aren't supposed to be here, Haewon ah." I couldn't believe my eyes. "아빠가 왜 여기 있어요? 아빠는 죽었어야 해요!"(Why is Dad here ? Dad is supposed to be dead !) My mother made a guilty look as she pulled me aside. "Go back to Hye-Su', Haewon ah. Your father is still incredibly weak right now. I haven't gotten him back to his regular blood intake yet..."

I let the tears fall as I shoved my mother away. "So this is why you let Hye-Su take Elijah & I in ? You wanted to resurrect Dad ? How can you be this selfish, Mom ?" Nothing. She said nothing else. There was no way she could excuse what she did. I looked at my father. I only had one question for him. "Why did you want Hye-Su to take care of Elijah & I ? What are you hiding from us, Dad ?"

He made a truly guilty & saddened expression. "It more so was about you that Elijah, Haewon ah. Elijah will move back here once I get my bloodthirst under control again..." I frowned as I grew more confused. "Why ? Why me ? Tell me." My father sighed as he once again rubbed his neck in a awkward manner. Whatever he was about to say would be upsetting. "왜냐면 해원이가... 당신은 복잡한 아이예요. 당신의 힘이 결국 당신 주변의 모든 사람들을 다치게 할까봐 걱정돼요..." (Because Haewon ah... You are a complex child. I fear your power will end up hurting everyone around you...)

I ran. Upon hearing this news I ran away. Tears clouded my sight as I made my way back Hye-Su' house. I cried & cried. This went on for a while before Elijah snuggled up to me. "Noona, why are you crying ?" I put a smile wiping away my tears, "I am fine. Couldn't sleep, Elijah ?" He let out a yawn as he snuggled closer. I hugged my little brother as I thought back to what I had learned earlier. 

What power could I have that my father thinks I am a burden ? What else do I not know ? An hour passed before Hye-Su handed me a letter. It had a special seal. One I was familiar with. The Council Of Vampires, also known as The Origins. I quickly opened the letter. I was shocked to see what I read...

"남해원님, 더 세븐의 부활식에 정식으로 초대되었습니다. 당신이 참석해 주셔서 저희는 최고의 영광입니다. 진심으로, 뱀파이어 위원회입니다." (Dear Nam Haewon, You are formally invited to attend the resurrection ceremony of  The Seven. It is our highest honor to have you attend. Sincerely, The Vampire Council.)

Hye-Su nudged me in complete surprise. "Will you go see what they want ?" My eyes remained on the letter in my hands, "I have no idea. Should I go ?"