Li Wei called two weeks later.
"I've made my decision," he said without preamble. "I want to be turned. I want to remember everything, understand everything. I want to be Cain again—or at least, the version of Cain who gets a second chance."
Adrian's emotions were mixed—relief, concern, sadness for the human life Li Wei was giving up. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"No. But I'm sure I can't live like this—torn between two existences, neither fully human nor fully remembering my past. At least as a vampire, the memories will make sense."
"Your parents—"
"I told them. Part of the truth, anyway. That I have a rare condition that requires special treatment abroad. They'll grieve, but they'll survive. And maybe someday, when I've adjusted, I can see them again."
The turning was scheduled for the following week, giving Li Wei time to settle his affairs. Adrian would sire him personally—it felt right that Seth would turn Cain again, completing a circle that started ten thousand years ago.
"Are you ready for this?" Kieran asked the night before the turning. "Having a fledgling—especially one carrying Cain's soul—is a huge responsibility."
"I know. But it has to be me. He's family, in a way. Seth's friend, returned." Adrian looked at Kieran. "Will you help me? Co-sire him?"
"If you want that."
"I do. We're bonded. Everything I do, you're part of. Including this."
The turning took place in the monastery—the same location where Adrian had been transformed. Full circle, indeed.
Li Wei lay on the same pallet where Adrian had suffered through his transformation, looking nervous but determined.
"It's going to hurt," Adrian warned. "Three days of agony. Your body dying and remaking itself. Are you ready?"
"No. But do it anyway."
Adrian bit his wrist, then his throat. He drank from Li Wei carefully, taking him to the edge of death. The boy's heart slowed, stuttered, began to fail.
Then Adrian and Kieran both cut their wrists, offering their blood together.
"Drink," they commanded in unison, their voices carrying compulsion.
Li Wei drank desperately, their ancient blood flooding his system. Adrian watched his face, saw the moment transformation began—the pain, the horror, the awareness that everything was changing.
Li Wei's scream echoed through the monastery.
"We've got you," Adrian said, holding him. "We're here. You're not alone."
For three days, they stayed with Li Wei through his transformation. Adrian remembered his own turning, how Kieran had been there every moment. He offered the same to Cain's reincarnation.
On the third day, Li Wei opened his eyes—no longer human brown, but vampire red fading to an unusual gold that reminded Adrian of Cain's eyes.
"How do you feel?" Adrian asked.
Li Wei considered. "I remember everything. Every life Cain lived, every choice he made. But I'm also still Li Wei. It's like... like I'm both people overlaid, neither one erasing the other."
"That's perfect," Adrian said. "You don't have to choose. You can be both."
They spent the next week teaching Li Wei vampire basics—feeding, control, managing strength. He learned faster than most fledglings, his ancient soul guiding him.
"You're a natural," Kieran observed. "Most new vampires struggle for months. You've mastered it in days."
"Cain's memories help. He remembers how to be vampire. I'm just... accessing that knowledge."
"Does it feel strange? Having those memories?"
"Sometimes. But mostly it feels right. Like pieces of myself I didn't know were missing finally returned."
That night, after Li Wei was settled in his own quarters, Adrian collapsed into bed exhausted.
"Teaching a fledgling is hard," he complained. "How did you manage with me?"
"You were difficult in your own ways," Kieran said, joining him. "But worth it. Look at you now—coordinating supernatural species, healing bloodlines, saving the world."
"I had help."
"You had yourself. I just provided support."
Adrian pulled Kieran close, needing comfort after the intensity of the week. "Make love to me. Slowly. I need to feel connected to you."
"Always."
Kieran took his time, their coupling gentle and intimate. He prepared Adrian carefully, his fingers working slowly, thoroughly. When he finally entered, it was gradual, deep, perfect.
"I love you," Kieran murmured, moving with unhurried precision.
"Love you too," Adrian gasped, his body responding to every touch.
They came together quietly, the blood bond pulsing between them with deep affection. No roughness tonight—just connection, love, partnership.
"Better?" Kieran asked afterward.
"Perfect," Adrian confirmed. "Thank you."