Seven - Monsters are Back in Town

Luthor Hubert is enjoying himself with the new fortress he is living in. He roamed around the huge mansion. From his room upstairs down to the elegant drawing room of the house. Engrossed in the expensive features and the intimidating pictures of his ancestors on the wall, he didn't notice a pair of eyes glaring at him from the door.

Two fierce eyes. Eyes that haunted every maid working inside the big mansion. From his hostile aura came utter confusion. Then interest. The boy standing inside the drawing room has a very striking resemblance. Intrigue as he is, he glanced at the portrait that pictures the boy.

"You must be?" A deep voice took the boy away from his reverie.

Though the offense in the eyes of his captor is gone, Luthor was in fright. He took some fearful steps backward. The scary visitor was impressed when the boy did not break eye contact.

"I am asking you a question." There was firmness in the man's every word. He won't ask again.

The boy bravely cleared his throat. Disappointingly, he looked down. Fear overcomes his stronghold.

"Luthor, sir." He answered quietly. Afraid to provoke whoever is standing in front of him.

Luthor looked at the man when he didn't hear any response and saw a curious stare shot at him. The man was shocked for a split second and recovered his facade. The intimidating man took a few steps forward, hands at the back, and eyed Luthor from head to foot.

"Louis' son?" The gentleman strictly asked.

"Yes, sir," Luthor confirmed as per the proclamation of the legal counsel.

"How long have you been here?"

"I was here since last night." the boy responded fearfully.

Trauma was written all over his face. The gentleman dropped his hands beside him. He clicked his tongue. Watch the damage good in front of him. Damage but useful. The boy is his blood.

"How disappointing," he muttered after he eyed the scared boy. Strolled around the room like it's his first time.

Fully on defense, Luthor followed the authoritative visitor. Anyone can see that the mysterious visitor is not easily deceived. He has this maintain frown on his face that commands the entire room. The butler came in with Luthor's afternoon snacks and almost fell over when he had a glimpse of their unexpected visitor.

"Don Hector! You didn't inform us of your visit!" The old man bowed.

"You know I love surprises," Hector raised his judging eyebrow to the old man making him cower to the corner. "You're the one who didn't inform me that Louis's son was found."

"I'm sorry, Don Hector. Attorney Adam brought the señorito just last night." The butler explained.

Hector rolled his eyes and looked at his nephew. The boy is afraid of him. The fidgeting of his eyes was very obvious. Hector made the first move.

"I'm Hector. I'm your father's cousin," Then he stretched his right arm for a handshake which Luthor respectfully accepted.

"Nice to meet you, sir." He sincerely said to his uncle.

"Where did you grow up?" Hector asked after he motioned him to take a seat in front of him.

Hector is fascinated. How he grows up without a glimpse of their viciousness. The people that raised the boy were good. Shame he will be tainted soon enough.

"Tondo, sir." The boy responded.

"Tondo? Manila? Still in school?" His curiosity was gone. Replaced with utter disappointment.

"No, sir," Luthor replied. He is trying to answer carefully, as calculating as his uncle. The schematic mindset of the Drax runs through him, after all.

Although Hector was a bit disappointed with what happened to his nephew, he was still impressed because the boy has proper breeding. Their genes are dominating the environmental factor. Or his foster parents were good people.

"It means you are out of school? Que Horror!" Hector muttered like a real father to Luthor, finally realizing the gravity of the situation. He snapped his fingers, calling the butler to approach him. "Uncle Pedro, call my secretary and tell him to find a tutor for my nephew. I need the tutor by the end of the week."

The butler quickly left the room. Hector's blood bolted up, seeing his own nephew bowed in fear. A disturbing gestures they never seemed to practice, which they probably should.

"Don't ever bow in fear! We never bow to anyone!" A lie he tried to convince himself. They were just mere dust in the hands of their superior, but his new apprentice doesn't have to know all the details.

Though the boy is not yet ready for further introduction, Hector cannot afford to waste the opportunity. He has the one thing he can treat as his own. Their reign is extended to one generation. Watching the empty eyes of his nephew, the trauma he suffered was his blessing in disguise. The boy will cling to those who he thought saved him. Hector will be that guy.

***

"We don't know what indication is this but we just had a glimpsed to the famous Chateau De la Mercedes own by the Drax Family is now under renovation. The mighty palace is returning to its glory."

The five people in the conference room watching the news exchanged worried glances. Renard straightened up and composed himself.

"This is alarming," Hendrix muttered.

Dom nodded in agreement. Allison nervously held her husband's hand. The danger is lurking in the dark. Shadows will start to cast around them. Now that they have a shaky alliance with the High Order, Samira will have to defend itself.

Devonne looked at his parents and uncles confusedly. His confusion goes way back from Paris when he was surprised to see Mr. Mercer in his apartment. Fetching him back to London. No further explanation with no signs of understanding to any resistance he will make.

"I just went there and no one's there except for the caretaker," Devonne commented.

The house he just visited a few days ago is now under renovation. It is like his visit was the cue. Goosebumps crawled through his skin. Felipe might not who he thought he was, but he did warn Devonne of his demise if he follows in his mother's footsteps. He can deny it, but he is already tracking those same footsteps when he visited the chateau.

"Amidst the rumors that an heir to the multi-million Drax Empire has been found, the Dark Times newspaper, own and operated by the family published a controversial headline this morning, We Are Still Relevant. Analysts have concluded that this is a declaration that the Drax family is indeed still on the ruling class of the society."

"We need to terminate them before they manage to gather enough power. Hector will ask his former affiliates to side with him." Dom said.

"I couldn't agree more. The clans will no longer bow to them. We should attack while the beast is weak." Hendrix added.

"Furthermore, the Silver Lining Industries which is own by the family of the late Doña Katerina Pride has expressed their warmest support to the rise of their long-time partner in terms of business ventures and family matters. The High Pride Tower has lit their entire building in Gold to show their support."

"How fantastic!" A sarcastic remark from Hendrix.

The pride has broken their silence. For a very long time, the family has been hiding in the shadows. Avoiding any involvement in the ongoing war. Given that they lost their precious stone, Catherine, they will have to retaliate.

"Wait. I'm also part of the Pride family, right?" Confusion never left his being.

"Unfortunately, son, yes," Renard confirmed the assumption.

Devonne, shocked with the additional information he discovered remained quiet. He is now richer than most of the world in terms of their wealth.

"Congratulations, you have a lot of fortune at your disposal." Hendrix mock, receiving the unimpressed look of Renard.

"In the rise of these events though, the Constantine Banking Empire refused to renew business dealings towards Silver Lining Industries and Drax Empire, long time partners of the company."

"It seems like they knew this will happen. I'm sure they'll guard every corner of their mansions after that decision. Hector will not let them go just like that." Dom commented.

"What should we do now? In no time, the Hiatus will ask Devonne to contribute to them." Hendrix asked.

"We will not even let them have a conversation with Devonne." Allison suddenly said. They looked at her.

"Catherine and Hector didn't have a choice. This time Devonne will have one." She added firmly.

"The real question here is that, will Samira Corporation once again create ties with the Drax Empire after they've severed their strongest ties in the event of the death of Lady Catherine?"

***

Paris, France

"I want you to double the guards in every corner of this chateau!" Iñigo shouted to the head of security.

Francesca was surprised when a group of men fetched her at school. Everyone gave her a weird look. The rich kid of Paris is now heavily guarded due to unexplained reasons. She furiously stomped to where her grandfather is standing.

"What on earth is going on?" She asked.

Iñigo ignored her tantrums and proceed to Francis who just arrived at the chateau. Like Francesca, Francis arrived with numerous men securing him. The Constantine family will not take any chances after they have severed their ties with the Drax and Pride families.

"I'm calling Renard." Iñigo suddenly suggested.

"What? What for, papa?" Francis uttered in disbelief. He will not ask for any help from the person who stole his one true love.

"Oh please, Francis! We need them. I will send Francesca to London just to be sure." Iñigo countered.

"We can protect ourselves! I will make sure no harm will reach us." Francis disagreed furiously.

"This is no time to put up your broken ego! That whore died a long time ago, Francis! Forgive me for saying this but I'm glad you two didn't end up together. I have strengthened my resolve. I will contact Renard to shelter Francesca. They have stronger ties with the other families. Strong enough to withstand a Drax attack. You know that. If all hell breaks loose, I can't afford to see my granddaughter suffer the wrath of the demon we once considered friends."

Francis heaved a laborious breath and looked at his confused daughter beside them. She's just looking at them, waiting for them to explain to her what exactly is happening. Why the guards have shown up at her school, why there have been additional men deployed on their grounds but all she got were worried expressions.

***

England, Sullen Grounds, Downcaster (Samira Manor)

"Yes, yes. I understand, Lord Constantine. We will receive her at the airport. We will do our best to protect her. I'll see you soon."

"Did I just hear it correctly? Constantine?" Devonne asked. There's a spark in his eyes.

"Lord Iñigo is sending his granddaughter here. He asked us to protect her." Renard answered matter of factually, seeing the boyish grin on his son.

"And?" Devonne inquired hopefully.

"We will send someone to fetch her at the airport on her arrival."

"I will personally go there myself." Devonne volunteered instantly.

"You won't." Renard cut him off. Fate is playing with him.

"Why? Isn't it the best thing to do? To show the hospitality of the household?" Devonne innocently questioned making his father snickered.

"You will see her when she arrives at the manor. Am I understood, Devonne?" Renard stated in finality.

The boyish grin vanished after that rejection. Devonne left his parents' room ignoring his mother who went inside.

Allison found the gestures rude. She shrugged the attitude and investigate the older version.

"What happened to your son?" Allison asked in amusement. The two treat each other like siblings. They never agreed to the same things. Always opposite.

"Iñigo Constantine is worried about his granddaughter. He is sending her here, to London, and I said yes. Your son volunteered to get Lady Francesca at the airport in which I declined." Renard explained with a smile. A failed romance of the past is happening right before his eyes. Worse, it might grow inside his roof.

"Oh, your son is heartbroken," She sat on the bed. "Why did you forbid him from doing so?"

"It's too risky for the both of them. Two powerful heirs of two powerful organizations?" He defended. Visibly worried for the well-being of the two teenagers.

"What are you so worried about? Devonne is a Drax, they will not do anything to him. Catherine might haunt them to their deaths. Hector may not accept him as part of the family but I know he will not eliminate him considering that there are only a few left to continue the family legacy." Allison explained, trying to calm Renard but it did not relieve him a bit.