Melody (Callista) – POV
As Laurence slowly opened the door, a cheerful young man in a pizza delivery uniform greeted us with a wide, innocent smile.
"Pizza delivery!" he chirped.
We never ordered pizza.
I met Xavier's eyes and gave a slight nod—be on guard.
Then it happened in a flash.
The "pizza guy" dropped the box and lunged at Laurence, slamming him to the ground. Two more figures appeared behind him—one a woman with sharp blue eyes and striking blonde hair styled in a messy wolf cut.
I felt my pulse spike.
I wanted to fight—but I couldn't. Not in my state. Seven months pregnant and carrying a life inside me—I had to stay still.
But Xavier didn't hesitate. With a swift twist of his body, he struck the fake deliverer across the face, throwing him off. The second attacker charged, and Xavier blocked, countered, and in the struggle—his hoodie fell back.
Messy, fluffy hair burst free.
I blinked.
Felix.
The former hacker of LUMENN. One of the few left. He groaned dramatically, rubbing his jaw with a lopsided grin. "Damn, Laurence. You really haven't lost your touch."
Behind him, the blonde woman held her hands up. "Whoa! Stand down. It's us."
"Mia," I breathed. Her voice hadn't changed. She was still the same, bold and no-nonsense as ever.
And the tall man beside her—silent, composed, scanning every corner with precise eyes—Zack. The recon specialist.
My throat tightened.
They were alive. They were alive.
Felix burst into laughter the moment he fully took in my appearance—and Xavier's.
"No way!" he wheezed. "Xavier… you're Laurence now? Man, you look like someone's tired husband from the suburbs!"
He doubled over laughing, wiping tears from his eyes. Then he turned to me—and the laughter stopped.
His smile faded as he took a slow step forward. Without a word, he bowed—deep, a full 90 degrees. His shoulders trembled.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, voice cracking. "I couldn't protect her... I couldn't protect your mother. Or your aunt. I failed them... and you."
"Felix, raise your head—please," I said, startled and already tearing up. "You don't have to—"
But before I could finish, Mia and Zack lowered into a bow beside him, heads down, silence heavy in the air.
My heart pounded. I stood frozen, overwhelmed, unsure what to say or do.
And then, to my shock, Xavier—Laurence—joined them.
"Xavier?" I whispered.
His face was unreadable, but his voice was steady. "As a member of LUMENN, I share the same failure. We couldn't stop it."
I was about to faint from sheer panic when—in perfect synchronization—the four of them rose.
And then, they saluted.
My breath caught.
"What… what was that?" I asked softly, blinking back tears.
Felix stepped forward with a solemn smile. "It's our vow. The remaining LUMENN survivors have agreed. From this moment on, we serve you, Callista. Or should I say... Melody Xander. You're the new Head of LUMENN."
"Hold up," I said, raising a hand. "How did you know our secret identities? Don't tell me... you were the ones stalking us?"
Felix scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
I sighed. "Right... former LUMENN members. Survivors, rather. Of course you'd know."
I looked up, my voice growing quiet, heavy with hope. "Were there... any others? Survivors besides you three? How many?"
Felix offered me a warm, gentle smile. Before he could answer, Mia stepped in.
"There were 81 of us who've managed to regroup so far," she said. "We don't know how many more are out there—dead, hidden, or still on the run."
She let out a long sigh, and Zack followed up.
"We have a new base now. Secret, temporary, but safe. And Callista..." His voice turned serious. "VARAK is the real enemy. Not just yours, not just LUMENN's. Everyone's."
Then Zack walked over and placed a firm hand on Xavier's shoulder.
"You did great protecting our future leader," he said with a warm smile. "No—our leader."
I saw Xavier's eyes well up, his jaw clench tight. He looked away, swallowing back the tears. LUMENN wasn't just an organization—it was a family. And hearing those words meant more than anyone could understand. I felt the same.
Then Felix's tone shifted again. Quiet. Almost hesitant.
"There's something else," he said. "Victor Valemont... is dead."
My heart skipped.
"He was killed," Felix continued. "By his heir. By Aurelius Valemont."
The world stopped. My chest tightened.
Aurelius?
"What?" I whispered, barely able to breathe.
(End of Chapter 33)