"It all began with my grandfather, Gage Demi. He was the original founder of Bronte. I have simply done the work of modernizing our organization, intensifying its working process and improving its security.

Many years ago, when the oppression of Dragonesians was at its peak, at the age of just twenty, my grandfather decided to open a secret organization. An organization which would become the face of human revolutionaries, who would be willing to even give up their lives to bring back our Lumina. He worked days and nights, behind the eyes of the filthy Dragonesians before setting up a secret meeting place. This organization had begun with only fifteen members, including my grandparents. Slowly, as years passed by, more and more human revolutionaries were approached and recruited before Bronte flourished.

Unfortunately, my grandparents had to meet a tragic end and that also, at the hands of those bloody Dragonesians. The Dragonesians could not find much information about Bronte but they did discover that they were revolutionaries. The two were...killed...in front of taunting Dragonesian citizens.

Meanwhile, my father, who was given the responsibility, ran away from that kingdom which was my childhood home and the original place where Bronte was initially located. My entire childhood was nothing but memories of me and my parents moving from one place to another, in different disguises and in secrecy. At times, we had food and at times, water was our only dinner. We were very poor, you see. Due to my father's weak health, he could not hold the stamina and strong will, in comparison to my grandfather. Thus, Bronte faced its downfall soon. And before we knew, he passed away when I was only fifteen. Mother passed away six months after, due to the immense shock she had received. I was left alone in the care of some remaining members of Bronte.

When my father was the leader, people began to resign, fearing for their lives.

But I knew what I had to do. I followed grandfather's footsteps, eventually.

The people who were still there in Bronte underestimated my abilities as a fifteen-year-old. It was a huge blow to their pride because they had to listen to a teenager, if I had to become the leader. Only one person believed in me when I presented the unimaginable idea in front of them. And he was my grandfather's most loyal friend, who had seen me grow up, literally. I was put on a trial of one month. In those four weeks, I was supposed to prove myself worthy of being called as the leader of Bronte.

And I did prove myself.

Bronte grew firmer and better than before. It prospered and transformed from a caterpillar, to a butterfly.

I became the leader at the age of fifteen, and I am proudly, still the leader of Bronte, at the age of fifty-five. For forty years, Bronte has been alive and running faster than a lightning bolt, which I am sure, it will eventually in the future, too."

Luxuria closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath as she reminisced how much time had passed.

When she reopened her eyes, a fiery glaze replaced the warm, emotional little girl which was present for a minuscule moment.

"As revolutionaries, we are trying our best to provide humans with security from the Dragonesians. Nevertheless, it is not possible rationally to save several humans altogether. This is one of the most important reasons why we request humans, who are willing to bring an end to this tyranny, to join us. If Dragonesians can build their own army, so can we. We are not weak. We are strong. All of us are. And we need to protest. Otherwise, our dreams will never turn into a reality.

We have been hunting down Dragonesians and killing them, since forever. But of course, we spare the Pure Class Dragonesians only if they agree to take our side.

So...what do you say? Would you and your team be interested in joining us?"

Alana glanced at Leon and found the crimson eyes finding her own eyes, right at the same time. They nodded silently at one another before Alana said, "There will be too many casualties. I am sorry to say this, but I think we'll pass—"

"In that case," Luxuria intruded in between, "If you are unwilling to hunt down Dragonesians, you all could join the Protection Team."

"And what would that be?" Leon inquired, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Some might say that the members of the Protection Team have it easy since they remain in the dark and do not have to fight upfront with Dragonesians. But I'd say, they are wrong. Very wrong. The sole purpose of the Protection Team is to protect the Slaughter Team and ensure that no harm is inflicted upon them. Now, of course, it is not possible to avoid death. Throughout the years, we have lost several great souls who were always ready to sacrifice themselves before being killed by Dragonesians. We expect the same personality from our new members.

So it would be safe to say that if you all were to join the Protection Team, then you would be keeping an eye on the Slaughter Team and protecting them from any attack of the Dragonesians. Or, when things might get out of hand, the Protection Team do their best to help the Slaughter Team. That's it.

What is your answer then?"

Even fifteen minutes of constant discussion between the Dragonesian prince and human girl could not make them come to a logical conclusion. There were numerous consequences and with that, doubts and eventually suspicions. Obviously, Bronte was the only place which would be able to give them the security that they needed till they reached Dravenue. But before reaching Dravenue, they needed to plot out a plan. A strategic, statistical, rational, and safe plan for which they required a safe environment to begin with. And Bronte was the place. At least till they found another suitable place.

Alana glanced over at Luxuria, from whom they were now seated far, far away. Luxuria patiently and silently kept staring at the two eighteen-year-olds engaged in a heated discussion.

"We need others' opinions too," Leon sighed, massaging his forehead, "We cannot just take a decision."

"As if Luxuria would allow the others to come here now," Alana scoffed, rolling her eyes, "The woman gives me the creeps."

"But that doesn't change the fact that we need to come to a probable inference."

"What do you think about us joining Bronte?"

"Well, what difference would it make really with my opinion? We need others—"

"Leon," Alana placed her palm over Leon in an attempt to calm him down from his frantic state, "The others trust you. I trust you. I bet whatever decision you take, it would be highly agreed by them. Even if they don't, we can always leave the organization."

"Can we really? After having given our word to them?"

"We are not liable to stay under them. Of course, we can. That's not the point. The point is to find a conclusion and a right decision."

"Ugh," Leon groaned as he stared up at the whitewashed ceiling, "I am exhausted. We also need to reach Dravenue and—hold up."

As if a sudden light bulb had tinkled his head, producing a genius idea in the process, Leon's eyes lit up. Alana could swear that she imagined stars shining inside those crimson orbs for a moment.

"What if we place a deal?"

"What deal exactly?"

Leon smiled in reply. Or rather, smirked.

"Let me get this straight," an amused, throaty chuckle was heard from Luxuria, "Temporarily you will join us and we will be dropping you off to Dravenue on the way? The official residence of Jocasta Heirora? Have you gone mad or are you kids interested in seeing heaven too soon?"

"We cannot reveal the reason, unfortunately," Alana began, "But what we need right now is a little help. And I can assure you, if you help us, not only will we help your Slaughter Team but also, may bring back Lumina."

Luxuria's blank stare morphed into a sarcastic laugh not long after.

"You kids are complete lunatics. You think that you six can suddenly stop Jocasta and the entire Dragonesian rule by just reaching Dravenue—"

"We never claimed that," Leon stated firmly, "But to end every rule, every tyranny, every destruction, hope must be present. We have overcome obstacles and have faced death severely than you can imagine. But we succeeded. So, why can't we stop Fa—Jocasta Heirora? And the Dragonesian rule?"

Luxuria did not speak. Her gaze ran over Leon continuously before she voiced out her thoughts.

"You are different. But I still don't trust you." It was true. The only reason Luxuria had allowed Leon inside Bronte because the specialized detectors installed in the organization had not detected anything suspicious from the Dragonesian. Yet.

"You don't have to trust me," Leon immediately said, "At least have faith in them. They are humans."

What was going on inside Luxuria's mind was a serious mystery. Although her ever so smiling face had now been shrouded by a blank demeanour, it could not change the fact that she was eerily secretive.

After quite some time, Luxuria finally spoke.

"Dravenue, as a matter of fact, is not far from here. As stated in your deal, you want guidance and safety till you reach your destination. Well, I could agree only if you all agree on helping us.

Dragonesian Guards from the outskirts of Main City, a little towards the rural areas are heading towards us. It could be a possibility that they are troops of official Military Guards sent by King Jocasta Heirora, but it is just an assumption at the moment; since we do not know whether they have found out about Bronte. Thus, we need to prepare for the worst, due to the lack of human military soldiers. And during the war that is going to wage, after some moments our team members will guide you to Dravenue. We are estimating an approximate time of two months till the Dragonesian Guards come to discover our secret organization.

We are presuming that Jocasta is gathering Dragonesian Military Guards from different kingdoms all over Dragonesia in order to commence a brutal war. Until then, you will be provided with the absolute necessary training to strengthen and enhance your combat skills, as well as, concentration and strategic thinking adroitness. All of which will be arranged by Bronte. Stefan, one of the seventeen-year-old members of Bronte, will be escorting you all throughout your stay here. Make sure to be prepared at the crack of dawn tomorrow."

With one last glance at Alana, Leon answered, "We agree."

"Then I agree too," Luxuria stated.

"We should take our leave then," Alana started as she stood up from her sitting position, followed by Leon, "We need to inform the others about the final decision."

"And one last thing."

Leon and Alana glanced back at the woman whose signature smile seemed to have returned on her lips.

"I have entrusted crucial information with you Alana, and a Dragonesian, only because you and the other four are humans and this Dragonesian's blood is red. If we find any form of betrayal or sense of treachery from you lot, we will not hesitate to kill you before the Dragonesians can even reach us. Mark my words."