As early as the dawn, even before the sun could completely rise up to shine up the morning sky, Wendy hastily put on her fury brown travelling boots. Her blue coat overlaid her green sundress.

She was getting ready to leave for the compound. She was going to report the discoveries she had exposed. Nothing could be more important than that.

At the verge of exiting her pink-themed bedroom, the telephone at her bedside table rang.

Her hand grabbed the receiver, slightly upset at whoever was calling her when she was in a hurry and had more important things to do.

But hearing the very familiar voice on the other end of the telephone, her creased eyebrows relaxed and a bright smile instantly appeared on her face.

“Brother!” she exclaimed happily, her surprise not a mystery.

“Of course it’s me! How’s my little princess doing?” Jellal’s voice sounded as pleasant.

She giggled at the nickname he came up for her when she was still a baby.

He was 13 years old when Wendy was born.

And now he was married to Erza. For Wendy, no other woman could be a better match.

“I’m fine. Stop treating me like a kid,” she said with a smile, “When will you come back?”

“Well, probably next week. Don’t you go out partying with boys when I’m not around, ‘kay?”

“Ew! Stop grossing me out,” she reacted with a face.

She heard him laughing next line.

“Yeah, yeah. I won’t, genius.”

Wendy twisted her wrist to look at her watch. Getting a call from him was good, but she was still in a hurry.

“Hey, big bro,” she sounded in a bit of a haste, “I gotta go. I’ll call you next time.”

“You seem like you’re in a rush. Where are you going?”

“Don’t worry about me. I just have important things to do.”

Jellal paused for a moment.

“Okay…” he said hesitantly, “Stay out of trouble, alright?”

“Uhuh,” a bright smile plastered on her face, “Say ‘hi’ to big sister, Erza, for me.”

And after that, she put down the phone.

Getting her mind set back on the important matter that she was thinking of, the expression on her face went serious again.

She walked out of their mansion quickly.

The maids greeted her along the way, they were either cleaning furniture or cleaning the wide property‘s ground.

Once outside, she headed straight to one of their cars, a black original vintage Mustang. It was her brother’s favorite, and also her personal favorite. A thin man, his old age evident, was cleaning the car’s hood when she arrived. He was her personal driver.

“Arthur, please get the car ready. We’re heading to Dragneel compound,” she alerted the man, not forgetting to be polite.

“Right away, Madam,” he replied with a smile and a bow.

He had been serving the family for more than 30 years.

.

.

DRAGNEEL COMPOUND

MAIN HOUSE KITCHEN HALL  

The children were running around the table. Even Lucas was faring better than the day before.

Aside for those who were on watch shift, everyone else were having breakfast at together.

“Be careful with the coffee, it’s hot,” Levy warned Gajeel as he took a sip of the drink. In her arms was their healthy baby boy.

On the other side of the long table were Gray and pregnant Juvia.

And she was eating like an elephant.

“You’re getting fatter already,” Gray murmured to himself.

But if the others could hear him, then his wife beside him would definitely not miss a thing.

Because of that, she elbowed him on the chest, making him choke on his own food.

“Mira’s food is so gooood,” Mavis purred as she took a spoonful of the curry on her plate.

It was like at that moment, everything was normal and nothing could ever go wrong.

With a grunt, Laxus rested his elbows on the granite kitchen isle.

“Everyone’s being so noisy this early in the morning,” he complained as he rubbed the sides of his forehead. He hadn’t had much sleep, being the chief of security.

“Don’t be too strict on them,” Mira cheered him up with a sweet smile, “Here, have some coffee.”

Even Mirajane was there. It seemed like she was back to normal again. She was even the one who prepared the meal, with the help of Kinana.

At the long end of the table sat the Lady. Lucas would often stop by her when he wanted a mouthful of whatever his mother was eating.

“By the way, where’s Natsu?” Freed turned to his side, he just observed the Head’s absence.

“In his office,” Lyon answered, “Talking to his brother about things.”

.

.

“Everything appears to be going well around here,” Zeref spoke with a sound of satisfaction, “Lucas seemed to bring the life back into this house.”

He was standing by the desk table, watching the Don who was walking around the office with a face deep in thought.

Right after Natsu ‘disarranged’ his office due to the anger he had when his son was harmed, Gray immediately had everything repaired. Everything in the office was brand new. Except for the Don’s chair. It was the same leather chair and still as imposing as it ever was.

“That is good,” Natsu replied bluntly as he sat down. A sigh escaped his mouth.

“Are you still restless?” Zeref noted his brother’s unease.

“I can’t let my guard down just yet,” he replied as he shut his eyes and relaxed his head on the chair, “Not when I know that the enemy is still alive.”

It was a fact, Natsu wasn’t going to stop until they found out who did it. He wasn’t someone who’d let things slip away without getting to the bottom of it.

“Whoever it is, we will surely get even,” Zeref guaranteed him.

He didn’t respond.

Of course, they would get even. Definitely.

Natsu’s eyes opened and he fixed his gaze on the other.

“I have been gone for a while. Is the company running well in my absence?”

“Don’t worry about a single thing,” the older one smiled, “I’ve got everything under control.”

Natsu nodded in approval.

“Erza and Fernandes,” he unexpectedly remembered his friend, “When will they return?”

“Their celebration in Paris will end soon. They will be back shortly,” Zeref answered.

“I hope so. What I need right now is the presence of the people loyal to me.”

Zeref understood very well that the fact of having a traitor among them was pissing Natsu off to the edge.

“Speaking of Fernandes,” he said in order to divert the Don’s attention, “I hope Wendy gets to report here as soon as possible.”

.

.

PARIS, FRANCE

Hand in hand together, Jellal and Erza Fernandes walked at the foot of the Eiffel tower. From their view, the gigantic trademark of Paris was magnificent indeed, living up to its reputation.

“I wonder how the Family is doing,” Erza spoke.

There wasn’t a day that she wouldn’t talk about it. She was one of those whom Natsu would entrust heavy obligations to, that’s why she was very devoted to the Family.

“I agree. I pray we’re not missing any action while we’re away,” Jellal tightened his hold on her hand, he was smiling.

He then returned his attention to the tower.

“I hope Wendy is eating well,” his voice sounded concerned.

This earned a gentle smile from his woman. If he was like this to his sister, then he will be a good father to their son or daughter…in the future.

“You miss her. I’m sure the people in Fernandes estate are taking good care of her,” Erza assured him.

“You mean,” he slowly turned to face her with a smirk,

“Our estate?”

And that was all it took to make her cheeks go deeply red.

.

.

ON THE WAY TO DRAGNEEL TERRITORY

The Mustang was driving at a good speed towards the compound, not so slow but not so fast.

With every second that passed by, Wendy’s urge to reveal the dangerous secret made her more and more anxious. She must deliver the news quickly.

Now they were just a couple of yards away from the compound’s entrance. She could see the gate almost clearly.

“Arthur, could you please drive faster?” she asked, not trying to be rude.

“Young madam, your safety is my top priority. I wouldn’t want the Master to worry about you,” the man replied with a smile on his old lips. He was referring to Jellal.

Because of the man’s concern for her well-being and his dedication to his duty, Wendy smiled in appreciation as she turned to face him.

And without a warning, the driver suddenly pulled the brakes.

The car abruptly stopped. Wendy instinctly shut her eyes and prepared for impact.

But nothing happened.

“Young man! Please watch where you’re going!” the old driver reprimanded the guy who was in the middle of the road, blocking their way.

Realizing that they were almost about to hit someone on the road, Wendy slowly opened her eyes and lifted her head. Her eyes setting on the person right in front of the car.

Beyond his eyeglasses, his eyes looked straight at her.

And his face…

It was the very face she hoped she’d never see in her lifetime. It was like the heavens granted the opposite instead.

Invel Yura.

Her eyes widened at how her fate has turned on her. Fate was truly being cruel.

He moved to the side of the car, on Wendy’s side.

“Sorry sir,” Invel said at the old man with a smile, “I didn’t mean to stop you.”

Wendy continued to stare at him in horror. Thinking of how he could act so normal after attempting to kill the heir.

Then she realized, he must have no idea yet that Lucas is still alive. And here she was, face to face with the killer himself.

The only one who had knowledge about this…was her. Only her.

Then Invel’s eyes turned to her.

He still had that smile on. If someone didn’t know the real him, they’d think he was just an ordinary man. An ordinary man with clean hands that know nothing about killing.

“Jellal’s little sister, right?” he recognized her, “Are you headed to the compound?”

No reply.

She wanted to act casual like she was ignorant of what he’s done. But the shock she was experiencing made it difficult for her. Too difficult that she couldn’t even hide the terrified look on her eyes.

“I’m heading there as well,” he continued, still acting casual with her, “Can you give me a ride?”

Still speechless.

“Young Madam, are you alright?” the driver worriedly turned to her.

And still, she did not say a word. Her wide eyes still set on Invel like he was some ghost.

As if he finally got a whiff of her fear, the smile on his face disappeared.

“Are you scared?” Invel asked. The tone of his friendly voice changing.

She had to say something. She had to act the same.

She had to.

She had to.

“N…No,” but she couldn’t help but stutter. She was just a child. The panic was too much for her.

“Good. There’s nothing to be scared about. I’m one of the family.”

It was silent again.

And like she was an open book, she wasn’t hard for him to read.

He had a feeling she was hiding something.

He laughed.

An amused laugh, one that was difficult to tell whether it was natural or forced.

“Don’t look at me like I’m some murderer,” he stated with amused eyes.

Then the look on his face suddenly turned serious.

“You don’t think I killed the heir...” his voice nowhere near safe, “Or do you?”

Nothing.

No word and still quiet.

With this, he confirmed it.

Wendy knew things that should be kept secret. And by the way she was looking at him, he could tell he had something to do with it.

With a swift move and no trace of hesitation, Invel pulled out a gun underneath his indigo suit jacket.

Before Wendy’s heart could even release another beat, he pulled the trigger three times.

The sound of the shots made her shut her eyes.

But she didn’t feel anything.

Wendy’s eyes opened.

And she felt something missing.

She felt that the person beside her, her driver, was unmoving.

She slowly turned her head to face the old man.

As if the shock she was going through wasn’t enough, another wave of horror washed over her entire being as she laid eyes on the dead body on the driver’s seat.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!”

She screamed her lungs out as big droplets of tears rained down her pale cheeks.

Bullet holes were in his chest and forehead, blood flowing down from them like waterfalls.

Even if she tried, she wouldn’t be able to revive him with those bullets in his vital organs.

Two to the heart. One to the head.

She cried and cried and sobbed as she stared at the good man. Dead man. Her eyes red from tears and her body shuddering.

“I…I…I…,” she tried to speak in between sobs, “I d-don’t…don’t k-know anything.”

“Lying is bad, little girl,” Invel’s voice sounded unfazed, like all he did was take a candy from a child.

Wendy slowly, hesitantly, fearfully turned her head to face Invel again.

And just as she thought, he had his gun pointed at her this time.

Never had she thought she’d see the face of death so soon. Too soon for her, she hoped to see everyone’s faces.

She didn’t want to die alone.

Alone on an empty road.

“You know something that shouldn’t be exposed,” Invel said grimly, “For that, I can’t let you live.”

Wendy knew there was no getting out of this.

What could she possibly do?

She slowly closed her eyes.

There was only one thing she was capable of, and that was to wait for death to take her.

“Brother…” she whispered as a red-tattooed face crossed her thoughts, “I’m sorry.”

Invel stared at her.

His eyes with no remorse.

Just blank and hollow orbs.

“Sleep well, Wendy Fernandes. You are loved by everyone.”

Three consecutive gunshots echoed throughout the road.

And there was nothing else that came after that.

Except for the sound of footsteps as Invel walked away from the corpses.

It won’t be long ‘til one of Natsu’s people discovered the Mustang that was just yards away from the compound. And surely, those gunshots he fired would be enough to alert the Family.

For now, he was going to retreat.

Taking Wendy’s secret along with him.