Cassius took a deep breath and began to explain the truth about Rory's captivity.
"Rory, your family has been in danger for a long time," Cassius said, his voice serious. "Your parents were involved in some shady dealings, and they made some powerful enemies. When you were a child, they were forced to go into hiding to protect you and your brother."
Rory's eyes widened in shock. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Cassius continued, his words spilling out in a rush. "Your parents were working with a rival organization to take down the corrupt government. But they were betrayed, and their enemies found out where they were hiding. They were killed, Rory. I'm so sorry."
Rory felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Her parent
