Yuan's bed was strewn with stacks of photographs and newspapers, each piece meticulously gathered for a singular purpose. He sat amidst the chaos, his eyes scanning the scattered information.
The newspapers carried articles about a man named Lucio Hernandez.
TARGET NAME: LUCIO HERNANDEZ, AGED 36
DESIGNATION: ASSASSIN, DRAGON COMPANY
STATUS: NOTORIOUS.
Mixed in with the clippings were black-and-white photographs capturing various members of the Dragon Brotherhood. Meanwhile, a thick folder lay open, filled with detailed reports on the brotherhood's activities and locations. Yuan's gaze hardened as he absorbed the data, each piece bringing him closer to his target.
Heaving a sigh, Yuan lay on his bed, his mind drifting to the shooting incident in Ormon City. Absentmindedly, his right hand moved to his wounded arm. His left arm was bandaged, and a basin of warm water sat on his study table, a reminder of the encounter with Lucio Hernandez.
"Lucio Hernandez," he spat, letting the syllables roll in his tongue. He remembered the distinct scar on his left cheek that left a lasting impression on him. The memory of that face made Yuan's blood boil. "That man could have killed the Alphas if I hadn't stopped him that night. But he also saw Tiffany during the encounter. I'm pretty sure he knows her by now because of her hair color."
Clenching his fist, he stood up and pinned Lucio's photo on the small board across from him. Then, drawing a small dagger, he aimed at it and let the dagger fly across the room, hitting the center of the face in the photo with a thud.
He smirked and sat back down on his bed. This time, his thoughts turned to a recent conversation with the Don.
"You will help my daughter with this mission, Yuan."
"And what do I get in return?"
The Don remained quiet for a moment, thinking. He then gestured for Yuan to stand beside him in front of the Wall of Fame in the Alpha Chambers. On the wall hung portraits of renowned men of the Alpha Brotherhood.
"Tell me, Yuan. Do you have the great desire to rule the brotherhood in your heart?"
Flustered, Yuan did not respond immediately. "W-why are you asking me that?"
"I know what you want, Yuan. I can see it in your eyes and feel it in my veins. You want it so badly that you would do anything to get the position if offered a chance. But you know very well that I cannot give you my spot in the Alpha because the Alphas would raise suspicions. For many years, only a Del Cargador has had the right to rule the Brotherhood."
Yuan shifted in his seat and glared at the Don.
"You know that I am a Del Cargador, old man. I may be a bastard but I am still your son!" he responded furiously. "I have every right to become your successor because your blood runs through me!"
The Don quickly grabbed him by the collar and said in a dangerous tone, "No one in the brotherhood knows that, you ungrateful shit! And if you disclose that to the Alphas, what do you think will happen to you?"
He then pushed Yuan back into his chair and continued in a calmer voice, "I can only give you my daughter's hand."
"Have you gone mad?" Yuan replied, his voice full of disgust. "You want me to marry your daughter? My very own sister? Do you know how sick that is?"
"It is the only way to save the bloodline, Yuan. If you marry her, you will be by her side in the leadership. Once you're married, the Alphas will favor you over her because you know how these men think about women!"
Yuan heaved a sigh before answering.
"Females are useless to the Alphas. They are only meant for procreation," Yuan mumbled. The Don flashed him an evil grin.
"Do you see it now, son? Isn't it a good idea? And when the two of you produce a son, the bloodline will continue to flourish."
Yuan considered the idea for a while. He weighed all the possibilities and wondered what would happen to him and Tiffany if they actually got married.
"Your sister is smart, beautiful, and gifted," the Don continued. "You can have her all you want, and you get to enjoy the taste of being a Don. It is the perfect plan for you."
"But you said it yourself, my dear father," Yuan said, emphasizing the last word to mock the Don. "Tiffany is smart. What makes you think she will just give up the chance to lead that easily?"
The Don could only shake his head in amusement. "Do you really believe that girl will succeed in her mission?"
"Yes, I believe she—"
"As I've said, females are weak creatures. They are not meant to trample upon men or become leaders."
Yuan could now see the sick obsession in his father. Part of him wanted to follow in his footsteps, but a small part of him renounced such dreaming. He leaned back in his chair, contemplating his decision. He liked his sister. Yes, she was beautiful and had a slender body, but he knew she wouldn't love him, and he wasn't sure he could love her back either… as in, romantically.
But leadership in the brotherhood meant power and endless wealth. So even though his father would never publicly acknowledge him, being his successor would be more than enough payment for all he had gone through just to please the man who treated him as a real son, the mayor of Ormon.
"What do you say, young man?" the Don asked again, interrupting his thoughts. Yuan hesitated for a moment before asking another question.
"But what about Tiffany?"
"What about her?" the Don replied, his voice already tinged with impatience.
"Will she consider the marriage?"
Refusing to answer, the Don looked at him squarely in the eyes. "Don't worry about that yet. Think about my offer."
It was as if the words were stuck in his throat.
"Everything I am doing is for you, Yuan. I chose not to disclose our relationship because it would bring chaos to the Brotherhood. The Alphas would ride on the controversy, and you and I would be dead before dawn."
"I understand that already," Yuan exclaimed. "You have told me that a hundred times."
"Then do not make a mistake, boy! You must also understand that great things require sacrifices—even the vile ones we try to bury. I have waited this long to see you with your head held high, reigning above the Alphas. Don't try to squander that chance."