Two hours later, Teruya and I are back in Uncle Alex’s office, where we’re finally almost finished going over what happened. He demanded every detail.

Literally.

Every.

Single.

Detail.

Teruya, unsurprisingly, remembers a lot more than I do. In my head, it's all a nonsensical blur of petals and slurs and screams.

But my uncle stops him when he brings up the fight.

"You extended your veil?" he nearly gasps. "Are you insane?"

"She initiated the attack," Teruya explains. "I had no other option. And given the circumstances, I believe I did very well."

"You could have retreated."

"Never retreat. You and Father both taught me that."

Uncle Alex leans back in h...

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