New Home, Old Mysteries

Chapter 23 : New Home, Old Mysteries

Raven stepped outside Luxe Haven Apartment, his steps heavy with frustration and curiosity. As he reached Apartment 102, his eyes caught sight of a small book lying on the doorstep, along with a shiny apartment key and a sleek car key.

Grim had left them there, like it was just another errand. Raven picked up the book, the key, and the card, tucking them into his pocket. The car key, he left behind. He didn't care about that.

He left Luxe Haven, his expression darkening with every step. His mind raced with questions.

How does Grim have this much money? From when does he have a girlfriend? And those countless scars on his body...

Raven clenched his fists. His brother always kept his distance, hiding secrets behind his cold, intimidating demeanor. Now that he thought about it, he had never seen Grim shirtless or even wearing anything short-sleeved. The thought of those jagged scars made his skin crawl.

So that's why neither Mother nor I ever knew anything about him. About what he was truly doing. About what he was truly thinking. Grim's a mystery I can't seem to unravel. But I swear... one day I will.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Grim's smirk flashed in his mind, taunting him.

"I'll smack that arrogant face of yours and wipe that damned smirk away," Raven muttered under his breath, his black eyes glinting with determination. "If I have to get stronger, then I'll join the Training with Seraphine. Whatever it takes."

He quickened his pace, his feet carrying him through the busy streets until he finally reached home. As he pushed open the door, he found his mother and Lyra sitting in the modest living room, their identical white hair and black eyes turning toward him the moment he entered.

"Raven! Where were you?" Lyra's voice held a mixture of worry and curiosity. "You weren't here this morning."

Their mother's gentle face reflected the same concern, her soft-spoken nature conveying more emotion than words could.

Raven forced himself to stay calm. "I went outside because I had some work," he said, his voice steady but guarded. "Brother called me. He wanted to meet me."

Both his mother and Lyra looked surprised. Grim? Calling Raven? That was unheard of.

"Brother called you?" Lyra repeated in a curious tone, her brows furrowed. "That's... new."

"What did he tell you?" his mother asked, her voice filled with cautious hope.

Raven pulled out the key and the card from his pocket and handed them to his mother. "He told us to move today. He bought us a new home. And he said we should only take important things and leave the rest."

Their eyes widened in disbelief.

"He bought a house?" his mother echoed, her voice trembling slightly. "I just asked him yesterday. How could he possibly buy a house in one day?"

"We're talking about Grim," Raven replied, his expression grim. "What he's thinking or what he's doing... how could we possibly know? He's always been in his own world."

Lyra bit her lip, her hands tightening around the edge of her dress. "Still... buying a house overnight? How could he do that?"

"Who knows?" Raven's voice hardened. "But let's not waste time. I'm sure if we don't move today, he'll be angry. So pack your things. We're moving."

His mother and sister exchanged uncertain glances before nodding. They both rose from their seats and retreated to their rooms, gathering their belongings. Raven could hear the soft rustling of clothes, the occasional clinking of personal items being stashed away.

But his mind was already elsewhere. He needed answers. And if that meant confronting Grim and knocking some sense into him, then so be it.

---

Room 101 – Luxe Haven Apartment

Grim and Aurelia had just finished their breakfast in the pristine, luxurious kitchen of Room 101. The sunlight streamed through the wide glass windows, painting the elegant room with a golden glow.

Aurelia glanced at Grim as he walked to the sink and washed his hands. When he returned, she gestured toward her sister with a hint of hesitation.

"Grim," Aurelia said softly. "This is my sister. Seraphine, meet Grim Cross."

Seraphine stood there, her striking crimson hair cascading down her shoulders, her golden eyes brimming with curiosity and a hint of nervousness. She offered a polite smile. "I am Seraphine Ashfall. Nice to meet you."

Grim's cold, sharp gaze settled on her, his black eyes like dark, unforgiving abysses. But then, his gaze softened slightly, almost imperceptibly. "Grim Cross."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Seraphine activated her ability to see his stats.

But the moment Seraphine power surged, a large hand shot toward her face. She barely had time to register what was happening before Grim's powerful hand clamped over her entire face, his grip unyielding.

"What the hell are you doing?" Grim's voice was low and dangerous. His sharp instincts had alerted him the moment her gaze felt different.

"Grim! Let her go! She's my sister!" Aurelia shouted, her voice sharp and filled with desperation.

Grim's cold gaze shifted to Aurelia. "Why don't you ask your sister what she was trying to do?" He released Seraphine's face, his expression indifferent. Without sparing her another glance, he walked over to the sofa and sat down, his posture relaxed but his presence still overwhelmingly intimidating.

Seraphine trembled, her hands clutching her face. Aurelia rushed to her side, her golden eyes filled with worry. "Are you okay?" she asked gently.

Seraphine nodded, her voice weak. "I... I just tried to see his stats. That's all."

Aurelia let out a breath of understanding. "Grim, she didn't mean any harm. It was just..."

"I don't care what she meant," Grim interrupted coldly. "Just don't do that again, or I will—" He cut himself off, his gaze hardening. "Forget it."

He rose to his feet and approached Aurelia. "I have some business to take care of. You should rest while you can. Because next time we're together, I won't let you go. And you'd better not beg for mercy."

With those words, he left, shutting the door behind him with a decisive thud. The air felt lighter, but the tension still lingered.

Seraphine stared at the closed door, her mind still reeling from what had just happened. "What did he mean by not letting you go and... not begging for mercy?"

Aurelia's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's... nothing. Forget it. Just adult stuff."

Seraphine's eyes widened in understanding, her own cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

"Is your offer still valid? You know... me sleeping in your room?" Aurelia asked softly.

"You're always welcome," Seraphine replied gently. She led her sister to her room and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around her. "Big sister... Don't let anything happen to you. You're the only one left for me."

Aurelia held her close, her own worries momentarily forgotten in the warmth of her sister's embrace.