Bright's father, Mr. James, took a deep breath as he began to tell Bright the truth. The room was dimly lit, with only a few soft lights illuminating the space. Li Wei stood off to the side, a small smile on his face, while Bright's father sat down in a chair, motioning for Bright to do the same.
"Bright, I'm not just your father," Mr. James began, his voice low and serious. "I'm the head of the Order of the Dragon, a secret organization that's been working behind the scenes for centuries. Our goal is to protect the world from those who would seek to harm it, but we've also been involved in some... questionable activities over the years."
Bright's eyes widened as he listened, his mind racing with questions. "What kind of activities?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. James hesitated, his eyes flicking to Li Wei before returning to Bright. "We've been involved in politics, business, and even crime, Bright. We've done things that we thought were necessary to protect the world, but I realize now that we may have lost our way."
Bright's mind was reeling. He didn't know what to think, what to feel. He had always thought of his father as a good man, a kind man. But now, he wasn't sure what to believe.
"Why are you telling me this?" Bright asked, his voice shaking with emotion.
Mr. James's expression was sad, his eyes filled with regret. "Because, Bright, you're a part of the Order. You're my son, and you're the heir to the Order's leadership. You've been groomed for this role since you were a child, and I realize now that I made a mistake by keeping you in the dark for so long."
Bright's eyes locked with his father's, his heart pounding in his chest. "What do you mean, groomed for this role?" he asked, his voice firm.
Mr. James sighed, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and pride. "I mean that you've been trained, Bright. Trained in the art of fighting, in strategy, in leadership. You've been prepared to take over the Order when the time comes."
Bright's mind was reeling. He didn't know what to think, what to feel. He had always thought of himself as just a normal person, but now, he wasn't sure what he was.
"Why did you fake your own death?" Bright asked, his voice shaking with emotion.
Mr. James's expression was somber, his eyes filled with regret. "I had to, Bright. I was in danger, and I had to make it look like I was dead in order to protect you and the Order. But I realize now that I made a mistake. I should have told you the truth, no matter what."
Bright's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "Who killed Melach?" he asked, his voice firm.
Mr. James's expression was grim, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "I did, Bright. I killed Melach. He was a threat to the Order, and I had to stop him."
Bright's mind was reeling. He didn't know what to think, what to feel. He had always thought of his father as a good man, but now, he wasn't sure what to believe.
As Bright's father finished speaking, the room fell silent. Bright's mind was racing, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know what to do, what to say.
Li Wei's voice broke the silence, his tone low and smooth. "Well, Bright, it looks like you've got a lot to think about. But for now, I think it's time for you to come with me."
Bright's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "Where are we going?" he asked, his voice firm.
Li Wei's smile returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "We're going to the Order's headquarters, Bright. You're going to meet the rest of the Order, and you're going to learn the truth about your family's legacy."
Bright's eyes locked with Li Wei's, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to be careful, but he also knew he couldn't pass up this opportunity.
"Okay," Bright said, his voice firm. "Let's go."
As Bright stood up, Li Wei motioned to the door. "After you, Bright."
Bright's eyes scanned the room, taking in the shadows and the darkness. He knew he was walking into the unknown, but he also knew he had to face the truth.
With a deep breath, Bright stepped forward, into the unknown.
The car ride was silent, with only the sound of the engine humming in the background. Bright's mind was racing, his heart still pounding in his chest. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew he had to be prepared for anything.
As they drove, the cityscape gave way to a more rural landscape. The buildings became fewer and farther between, and the trees grew taller and closer together. Bright's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar scenery.
Finally, the car stopped in front of a large gate. The gate was made of black iron, with intricate designs etched into the metal. Li Wei got out of the car and approached the gate, where a guard was waiting.
The guard nodded, and the gate swung open. Li Wei got back into the car, and they drove through the gate.
As they drove up the winding road, Bright saw a large building in the distance. The building was imposing, with tall towers and a grand entrance.
"Welcome to the Order's headquarters," Li Wei said, his voice low and smooth.
Bright's eyes widened as he took in the sight. He had never seen anything like it before.
As they pulled up to the entrance, a group of people emerged from the shadows. They were all dressed in black, with the symbol of the Order on their chests.
Bright's heart pounded in his chest as he realized that he was about to meet the rest of the Order.
"Li Wei, what's going on?" one of the figures asked, his voice low and menacing.
Li Wei smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "This is Bright James, the son of our leader. He's here to learn the truth about his family's legacy."
The figures exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. "Welcome, Bright," one of them said, his voice neutral. "We've been waiting for you."
Bright's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. What did they mean? And what was waiting for him inside the Order's headquarters?
To be continued...