Before I'd left for the mission to track the Ferans, I'd asked Grandma to tell me the real story behind my parents' deaths. She hadn't answered back then, only promised that she would, once I returned.
Now, sitting in the quiet warmth of our home, the air heavy with all we had discussed, I brought it up again.
She let out a long breath, lowering her gaze to the table. Her fingers tightened around the cup in her hands. For a few seconds, she didn't say a word.
Then she finally spoke.
"It was nearly ten years ago. You must've been only seven."
I gave a slow nod, remaining silent.
"There had been rumors… about Peanu preparing two of their most talented soldiers for Grandmaster rank.
Both had climbed the ranks fast and had been responsible for orchestrating smaller strikes on our territories. We knew that if they completed their rise, they'd become a serious threat. So we made a decision."
She glanced at me, then continued.
