Chapter 4: Unveiling the Shadows

As dusk fell over the Frianmes estate, the grand mansion was bathed in a soft, golden glow. The children gathered around the dinner table, their earlier excitement replaced by an eager, subdued anticipation. They sensed that something significant was about to unfold, and their grandfather's serious demeanor only heightened their curiosity.

Lankes, with a heavy heart, knew the time had come to reveal the truths he had long kept from them. As the children finished their meal, he cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"Children, I have something important to tell you," he began, his voice carrying a gravity that silenced the room. "It's about our family's history—everything I've been protecting all these years."

The children exchanged curious glances. "What is it, Grandpa?" asked one of the girls, her eyes wide with both excitement and nervousness.

Lankes took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "As you know, our family was once very successful. Woodistine Limited was known worldwide for its excellence. But that success came at a great cost."

The room seemed to grow colder as Lankes spoke, the shadows on the walls stretching like dark tendrils. "Our family's rise was due to a special method we developed—a method that made our constructions the best in the world. But when a relative betrayed us, our world fell apart. The company was destroyed, our wealth vanished, and we were left with nothing."

One of the boys raised his hand, his voice trembling. "But why didn't you ever tell us about this before?"

Lankes looked at them with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Because I wanted to protect you. The secret we kept is not just about our past; it's about our future. If the wrong people learn about it, it could bring even more danger to our lives."

The children listened intently as Lankes continued. "The truth is, Julius, the man who visited me today, is one of those dangerous people. He's been searching for our secret for years. He believes that by finding it, he can gain immense power and influence."

The children's faces paled. "What does he want with it?" asked one of the girls, her voice barely a whisper.

"He wants to use it for his own gain," Lankes replied. "And he won't stop until he gets what he's after. That's why we need to be careful. We need to keep our secret safe and ensure that no one else can find it."

As the gravity of the situation sank in, the children's fear was palpable. Lankes could see their apprehension and knew that the burden of their legacy now rested on their young shoulders. "You are the future of our family. It's important that you understand the weight of what we carry and why it must remain hidden."

The room was silent, each child lost in their thoughts. The weight of the family's secret was beginning to press down on them, a realization of the responsibility they now held.

Before they could ask more questions, a knock echoed through the hallway. The door to the dining room opened to reveal Mary, her face lined with concern. "Lankes, I've been thinking," she began, stepping inside. "We need to ensure the children are prepared, not just with knowledge but with skills to protect themselves and our legacy."

Lankes nodded, a look of agreement passing between them. "You're right. It's time they learned more than just the history. They need to be equipped for what's to come."

Mary addressed the children with a reassuring smile. "Starting tomorrow, we'll begin your training. You'll learn about the family's secrets, the skills you need, and how to protect yourselves. It will be a long journey, but you're not alone in this."

The children looked at each other, their initial fear replaced by a steely resolve. They understood that their lives had changed forever and that they had a crucial role to play in safeguarding their family's legacy.

As the evening wore on and the children headed to bed, Lankes and Mary remained in the dining room, their conversation turning to the next steps. They knew that preparing the children for the challenges ahead was only the beginning. The shadows of the past were closing in, and it was up to them to ensure that their legacy remained intact.

In the quiet of the night, Lankes stared out the window, his thoughts heavy with the weight of impending conflict. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the Frianmes family would face it together, bound by a history that was both a shield and a sword.