"Why?" John asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Benneca's face, looking for even the smallest flicker of emotion.
Benneca stayed silent for a long moment, her gaze steady and unreadable, as if she were weighing every possible outcome before speaking.
Crimson, who only seconds ago looked ready to explode, now stood quietly beside her, the rage in his eyes dimming into something closer to reluctant restraint.
Finally, Benneca spoke, her tone clipped and cold. "It's not something you need to know. Your task is simple, finish the job, then leave. We will handle the rest. If you do this, you will be forgiven by the three Silentswords for taking Crimson's sword… and you will return my sword once we come back to the sect."
John listened without interrupting, his expression calm but his mind racing.
Her voice was as steady as ice, but he could hear the underlying weight in her words.
