Bab 268: This...new hunger...it's for blood!!

But as she waited, nothing came so she decided to break the silence. "Oh, Blake. You don't have to thank me. I'm just doing what anyone would do."

Blake shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, seriously. You've been there for me since the beginning, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. You've helped me stay grounded, reminded me of who I am. And for that, I'm truly grateful."

A warm smile spread across Nana's face as she reached out to squeeze Blake's hand. "Thank you, Blake. That means a lot to me."

As they stood together in the kitchen, Blake couldn't shake the weight of Kabib's demise, the memory still fresh in his mind...

"I know it's been tough, Nana. Losing Kabib... it's something I can't even begin to imagine," Blake began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "But just like me, you have a chance for a new beginning. A chance to start afresh, to find your own path."