and i became merciless

Zed's gaze was void of emotion, his blue eyes reflecting only an abyss of cold indifference.

Back on Earth, I never cared much about others. I wasn't heartless—just… detached. I had only one person in my life who truly mattered, and he was never in danger. So this side of me… it never had a reason to come out.

Everyone called me a good, kind, and intelligent person—which I suppose I was. I helped when I could. I smiled when expected. But I was never truly invested in anyone's life. Not really.

But when the person I love suffers… when someone crosses that line…

There's something deep inside me that stirs. Something dark. Something I don't even fully understand. A quiet rage that coils beneath my skin like a sleeping beast—waiting. And when it wakes…I fear 

 not for myself.

but for the person who made the mistake of hurting them.

On Earth, I never had the authority to kill someone. I was bound by the rules of society, by the limits of morality and consequence. And maybe that was for the best. Because when I imagine what I might have done back then… it terrifies me.

But here?

Here, there are no rules. No consequences. No limits.

If someone hurts the person I care about—I can kill them. And the fun part is…

No one can stop me.

The blade, slick with blood, caught the dim candlelight, casting a haunting reflection onto Greyrat's face.

The wounded man's breath came in ragged gasps, panic overtaking his senses. His pupils shrank as his body screamed at him to run, to fight—to do something!

But his body refused to move.

CLANK.

The blade scraped against the marble as Zed took another step forward, his every movement deliberate.

Greyrat whimpered. His mouth opened, but no words came out.

The fear was too much.

The weight of death pressed down on him.

"You know…" Zed's voice was cold, cutting through the silence like a blade.  "deep inside ,We're all monsters. its just that Some of us are just better at hiding it."

He crouched down slowly, his blue eyes glinting beneath the flickering candlelight. His sword, still dripping with fresh blood, hovered at Greyrat's throat—just grazing the skin.

"You've shown me yours . "A thin, chilling smile curled at the edges of Zed's mouth. "Now it's time for you to see mine."

Later—

Larry strode down the dimly lit corridor, mild irritation tightening his brow. His steps echoed off the stone walls, sharp and measured.

But then—

He stopped.

Two corpses lay slumped against the wall, daggers buried deep in their backs. Blood pooled beneath them, the metallic scent of iron thick in the stale air. A third body—a headless one—lay sprawled further down the hall, the jagged stump of its neck still leaking dark crimson onto the marble.

Larry's irritation vanished, replaced by a sudden, icy weight in his chest. His breath quickened.

Slowly, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. His polished shoes pressed into the blood-soaked floor, leaving faint imprints as he crossed the threshold.

And then—

His gaze fell to the severed head lying near the entrance.

John's lifeless eyes stared up at him, mouth agape, the final expression frozen in terror.

Blood soaked the floor.

The suffocating stench of iron filled his lungs.

Larry's breath hitched.

He followed the blood trail—leading from the door to the center of the room.

His brother, Greyrat, was sprawled on the floor, his right arm missing, his face contorted in unimaginable horror. The blood leaking from the stump pulsed in slow, uneven bursts.

And in front of him—

A child.

A mere boy, no older than nine, standing over him with a blood-drenched sword. The blade trembled faintly in his hand, not from weakness—but from anticipation. Like the weapon itself was hungry for more.

A pair of blue eyes flicked toward him.

Cold. Emotionless. Inhuman.

Larry's body froze.

For the first time in his life, a feeling unlike any other took hold of him.

Terror.

True, absolute terror.

This was no ordinary child.

This was a monster.

And he had just walked into its den.

Only three people knew what happened in that room.

And by the time the night was over, only two were left to tell the tale.

As it so happened, will Greyrat was no more.

And the person who killed him…

(Well, you'll get to know in the upcoming chapters.)

The Next Morning

Aurora woke to the soft rustling of curtains and the golden warmth of sunlight spilling through the tall windows. The room was unfamiliar—too large, too quiet—its polished marble floors and velvet-draped canopy bed reeking of wealth and coldness.

Her eyes drifted upward to the intricately carved ceiling, the weight of the silken blankets pressing down on her chest. The faint scent of lavender mixed with the lingering metallic tang of blood in her memory.

And then—

Last night.

Her breath hitched. Her body tensed as images flooded her mind. Blood-soaked floors. will Greyrat's lifeless face twisted in terror. The sound of steel cutting through flesh. Zed's cold, sharp eyes in the dim light.

Her fingers curled into the sheets as a cold shiver ran down her spine.

KNOCK KNOCK.

A soft knock at the door pulled her out of the spiral.

"My Lady," a gentle voice called from the other side. "May I come in?"

Aurora hesitated, her throat dry. "...Yes."

The door creaked open.

A maid entered, balancing a silver tray laden with breakfast—fresh fruit, warm porridge, cheese, and bread. Behind her—

Zed.

He stood in the doorway, his sharp blue eyes immediately finding Aurora's pale face and trembling hands. His gaze darkened. Without a word, he strode across the room and plucked the tray from the maid's hands.

"I'll take it from here," Zed said quietly.

The maid hesitated, glancing nervously between them before bowing. "Yes, Young Master." She slipped out of the room, leaving them alone.

Zed placed the tray on a small table beside the bed. He sat down next to Aurora, close enough for his shoulder to brush against hers.

Only a few people had seen what happened last night. Most of them were dead. The estate was still unaware of the truth—and Zed intended to keep it that way. Aurora's reputation would remain intact. He would make sure of it.

Zed's hand hovered near her shoulder for a moment before settling there gently.

"Hey," he said softly.

Aurora didn't move. Her eyes remained fixed on her lap, her hands trembling.

Zed scooted closer, his hand tightening slightly on her shoulder.

"I know it's hard," he murmured. " and you don't have to be strong right now. i will always be here for you"

Her breath hitched. Slowly, she leaned toward him, her face still hidden.

Zed wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close until her forehead rested against his chest. He brushed his hand through her hair, his fingers threading through the soft silver strands.

"I've got you," he whispered. "You're safe now."

Aurora's breathing steadied, but the tension in her body remained. After a moment, she lifted her head. Tears welled up in her violet eyes, threatening to spill over.

Zed picked up the spoon and scooped a bit of porridge. He held it toward her with a faint smile.

"Now come on," he teased, his voice light. "Say 'aaah.'"

Aurora's lips trembled. Her vision blurred with tears.

"I'm sorry, Zed…" Her voice cracked as her face twisted in anguish. "I'm sorry you had to see all that… I'm sorry for not being a better sister… I'm sorry for everything… I'm sorry…"

Her hands gripped his shirt as sobs wracked her small frame.

Zed's hand steadied the spoon and bowl, somehow keeping the porridge balanced despite the shaking.

"hey don't be sorry " Zed's voice softened as he set the bowl down. He reached out and wiped her tears with his thumb. "You're the best sister I could ask for."

Aurora's chest heaved, her lips parted as if to speak—but nothing came out except a shaky breath.

"Now stop crying and eat," Zed said with a teasing smile.

Aurora hiccupped, tears still trailing down her cheeks. zed was still holding the spoon full of porridge near her mouth .

"Sis," Zed sighed, making a tired face, "my arms are starting to hurt from holding this spoon for so long."

Aurora's lips twitched into a small, fragile smile. A weak giggle escaped her.

She leaned forward and took a small bite of the porridge.

"Good girl." Zed's smile deepened as he scooped another spoonful of porridge.

"Come on, one more."

Aurora lips parting slightly as Zed gently held the spoon near her mouth. She opened her mouth and let him feed her, the warmth of the porridge settling in her stomach.

Zed's gaze softened, but beneath it, something colder stirred. His hand stilled for a moment, the spoon resting in the bowl. His eyes darkened, his smile fading into something quieter… sharper.

"I shall not let a single soul harm you, Sister," Zed said, his voice steady yet cutting through the quiet room like a blade.

Aurora's eyes widened slightly.

"And if they do…" Zed's smile vanished completely. "Then death is the only door that will await them."

Aurora's breath hitched. 

Zed leaned in slightly, his free hand brushing a stray lock of hair behind Aurora's ear. His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering.

"So hold your head high," Zed whispered. "Because you are this family's pride. My pride." His thumb gently brushed her cheek. "You are my sister, Aurora."

Zed pulled back slightly, the faintest smile returning to his lips. He scooped another spoonful of porridge and held it out to her.

"Now, open up," he said softly. " haa"

Aurora's lips trembled before she let out a soft, shaky laugh. She opened her mouth and took another bite, her heart pounding beneath her ribs.

Zed's smile deepened. "Good girl."

Zed's smile lingered as he watched Aurora take another bite, but beneath the calm surface of his expression, his mind churned.

Yes…

You are the only family I have here.

The most important person I care about in this world.

His hand tightened slightly around the spoon. His gaze softened as Aurora lowered her eyes, tears still shimmering on her lashes.

I will keep you safe… no matter the cost.

Even if it meant staining his hands in blood. Even if it meant walking a path from which he could never return.

If the world dared to threaten her—if anyone so much as thought of causing her pain—

Then death will be the only mercy I offer.

Zed's eyes darkened. His lips curved faintly as he raised the spoon again.

"Come on," he said softly. "One more bite."