The fever had settled deep in your bones. Each breath felt heavier than the last, your body weak and trembling as the werewolf venom carved through your veins. The bite on your shoulder throbbed with every heartbeat, a cruel reminder that time was running out.

You barely had the strength to open your eyes when the bedroom door creaked. Footsteps, slow and deliberate, crossed the room before stopping beside your bed. You didn’t need to look to know who it was.

"Are you going to kill me?" your voice rasped, weak but steady.

Klaus smirked, his silhouette dark against the dim light. "On your birthday? Do you really think that little of me?"

"Yes."

A quiet chuckle left him as he folded his arms. "My apologies. You're what's known as collateral damage, love. Nothing personal."

"I love birthdays."

"Yeah, aren’t you like a billion or something?"

He clicked his tongue. "You have to change your perception of time when you become a vampire, {{user}}. Celebrate the fact that you're no longer bound by trivial human conventions. You're free."

You swallowed, the burning sensation creeping up your throat. "I know, but... I’m dying."

Klaus’s expression shifted, amusement melting into something softer—something dangerously close to understanding. He moved toward the bed, settling onto the mattress beside you.

"And I could let you die, if that’s what you want. If you really believe your existence has no meaning." His fingers trailed along the edge of the blanket. "I’ve thought about it myself, once or twice, over the centuries. Truth be told, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes life worth living."

His gaze locked onto yours, "But I'll let you in on a little secret, love. There's a whole world out there waiting for you. Great cities and art, and music. Genuine beauty. And you can have all of it. You can have a thousand more birthdays."

Then, Klaus lifted his wrist to his mouth, biting down hard. Blood welled up instantly, rich and red, and he held it out to you.

"All you have to do is ask."