" It's hard for someone to hide completely when they're tied to a lineage like hers. " He continued.

" What lineage? " I asked, hoping to get anything out of him. But, i was disappointed.

" I can't tell you anything related to it Sirius. That's a piece you have to fit together on your own. The best I can do is help you. "

He replied back.

" What more can you tell me? "

" Not much as of now. I am restrained by the oath " he said.

" What exactly is this oath? And who do you even swear it to? " I asked sharply.

He took some time to organise the right words, and then replied

" Your grandmother. I took the oath not to tell anyone about her past and her lineage. Not even you Sirius. I am bound by the oath, and I would be long dead before I could spill the beans "

I was stunned. He knew my grandmother? How deeply was he tied to my past? And what part of this was truth, and what part was deception?

What much did Toby know, and how deep did the web of the past stretch?

" You knew my grandmother that well? How deeply are you tied to my life Toby? " I inquired. My voice, a little high pitched.

" Calm your horses " he sighed. " As I said earlier, I was close to your mother. So is it really so hard to believe that I knew your grandmother as well? "

It made sense. The conversation gave me at least one clue.

" My maternal lineage " I subconsciously muttered.

" Indeed. It's the way to the truth. "

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" Tell me more Toby. Who was my grandmother? What's special about my Lineage? " I took a pause. My voice heavy ,

" And who am I? "

---

" And who am I? "

These words hung in the air.

Toby knew who Sirius was but the blood oath binded him .He wanted to reveal the truth, but the weight of it silenced him. What and how much could he share without unraveling everything?

Sirius and his daughter were the last of their bloodline, and his fate was entwined with horror and bloodshed ; a destiny he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy.

Yet, it was also very lineage that granted him chance to grow, reach heights others could only dream of.

Toby remembered the woman Sirius' mother was. His heart ached for her son, and that was why he had urged Sirius to accompany him after Sunny's death.

At last , he spoke, his words heavy and laced with gravity . " Your lineage is a double-edged sword. It can elevate you or destroy you. That's why your mother kept you in dark and why I am binded by a blood oath. "

He placed his hand on my shoulder and continued. "Sirius, your mother was most likely killed. I don't have proof yet, but I have my reasons. You were hidden from their gaze until now, but the recent incident makes it clear that's no longer the case. You need to get stronger, because they can come for you. And I guarantee you they will."

A tension hung in the air, his words heavy. It took Sirius a moment to process them.

"They?Who are they?" he asked.

" I can't tell you who they are, but they're strong, Sirius. They want something you have. I can feel it on you, and they must sense it too." Toby pressed his finger to the center of his chest. A green light enveloped his finger before striking Sirius.

Shock coursed through Sirius as he tried to respond, but a sudden searing pain gripped his chest. He fell to the ground, writhing in agony.

Toby rushed forward, grabbing the collar of Sirius's shirt, he looked for the mark. His eyes widened in disbelief as he noticed it seared into Sirius's skin.

"The insignia," he whispered, fear creeping into his voice.

' It's true, he has the insignia. It was in a dormant state, but the trauma he experienced after his friend's death years ago must have opened the foundation. The presence of the foundation must have alerted them, and now, with it activating, all that's left is to collect pieces.' Toby thought, there was a hint of anticipation and excitement in his eyes.

" What's this.. insignia? " Toby looked above, and saw Sirius' confused expression.

" I cannot tell you its traces, but it's a special relic, Sirius. One which has a history as deep as our empire, and it's your gateway to truth and power. " He said, his eyes never leaving the insignia traced on Sirius' chest.

---

To truth and power? I looked down upon my chest . There it was, the Insignia.

A majestic mark inked in deep black hues, sprawls across the skin like a living mark. Its circular border is adorned with two entwined Japanese-style dragons, their scales glinting ominously. At its center lies a sharp-edged hexagon, surrounded by tendrils of fire ;

one dark as the void, the other a stark, ghostly white ,dancing in a mesmerizing yet menacing display.

Radiating a powerful aura, the insignia evoked a sense of dread as I gazed upon it. Its dark nature pulsed with the weight of ancient secrets, whispering of forgotten legacies and untold horrors.

As I sat in the shadow of the tree, the whispers of the wind felt familiar yet distant. My heart raced, confusion clouding my mind.

Memories that weren't mine flooded back, I could see a cottage. It felt familiar, but I couldn't make out its shape, as if it were a hazy dream.

I focused on it, and soon there was some resemblance. It didn't take me long to realize what I was seeing..it was my home, the same makeshift cottage where I had lived with my mother.

And I could feel the cottage calling for me. There was some vague substance as well. I couldn't discern it's shape,neither the location.

I had no idea what that was, but I knew I have to go and check it out.

*crack crack*

There was sound of cracking, and soon enough the world around me started shattering like a broken mirror.