To Anwen Pike, To you, my granddaughter, my blood-born heir, I must admit I've committed something quite abhorrent. You don't even exist yet and I've already wronged you, but I shan't apologize, because my legacy must survive. I have done terrible things to acquire my position, you know. These things, these horrid acts, will not be in vain. I will not allow the truth to die, and I have every hope that you will do the same. There are secrets, awful secrets, that you must promise me that you will safeguard. Promise me that when I am gone, which to you should be the present moment, these happenings will not go with me. You must carry my burden as you carry my name, whether you wish to or not. To the bearer of my blood, and therefore my mind. ----- This is my submission for the Open Novella Contest 2023 and it goes along with one of their wonderful prompts. I don't usually like writing for a deadline, but I'm giving it a try. If it turns out rubbish, oh well.