Page 271 of Mercy Written in Blood

Haruki felt Renji's attention sharpen. The room saw the phrase but did not understand it. Sota allowed them to read it.

"The First Law," he said, "requires that the existence of vampires remain hidden from the human population."

The words seemed to take physical space. Several people stared at Renji again. The elderly woman in the green cardigan gripped the handle of her handbag. A man in the second row whispered something to his wife. The teenage boy looked fascinated.

Sota continued.

"It predates most modern governments. It has been enforced through agreements between vampire authorities, state institutions and private organisations capable of managing incidents without public exposure."

Haruki knew the reference included the Ishida Family. No one else in the room did. Not yet.

"What does managing mean?" the father with the wedding ring asked.

"Changing records. Redirecting investigations. Intimidating witnesses when necessary."

"Killing them?"

Sota paused.

"Sometimes."

Fear moved through the room. Quiet. Immediate. The elderly woman stood. Her chair scraped against the floor.

"I was told this was a support meeting."

"It is," Ryota said from near the door.

"You brought one of them."

She pointed at Renji. No one corrected the phrasing. Renji remained seated.

Sota stepped away from the projector.

"Mrs Okada, Doctor Takahara was invited to listen."

"You said this was safe."

"It is."

"How do you know?"

"Because if Doctor Takahara intended to harm anyone here, he would not require an invitation."

The answer did not reassure her. It frightened her more. Haruki rose. Renji's hand caught his wrist. Not hard. A warning.Do not turn fear into authority.

Haruki looked down at him. Renji released him. Sota noticed the exchange.

"Mrs Okada," he said, "you may leave."

Her face tightened.

"I came for answers."

"Yes."

"And you expect me to sit beside that?"

"No. I expect you to decide what knowing is worth to you."