New Family, New Home

Chapter 24 : New Family, New Home

Raven stood in his dimly lit room, tossing clothes and essentials into his single, worn-out bag. His pale skin seemed even more washed out under the dull light, the stark white of his hair falling over his sharp features and intense black eyes. The room was modest, with faded walls and a creaky wooden bed covered by a thin, old sheet. It held little of value, but it was home.

As he rummaged through a drawer, his fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. He pulled out a knife, its edge still sharp from countless encounters. Holding it brought back memories — the desperate nights when he had to steal or fight to survive. He let out a dry laugh. "What a pathetic past..." he whispered.

Lost in his thoughts, his grip slipped, and the blade nicked his hand. "Aaaah!" he hissed, his voice echoing in the stillness. Blood trickled down his palm, crimson against his pale skin.

Cursing under his breath, Raven instinctively clutched his wounded hand and looked around for the med kit. But then something strange happened. Right before his eyes, the wound closed up, the pain fading to nothing. His eyes widened in shock.

"What! Do I have a superpower. Wait... that other day... my injury... it was gone too."

Driven by curiosity and disbelief, Raven pressed the knife against his skin again, this time cutting a little deeper. Pain surged through him, but only for a moment. Just as before, his skin sealed itself as if nothing had happened.

"What the hell..." He stared at his hand, a wild grin spreading across his face. "Wow... what an ability. Using this... I'll be unstoppable. Invincible."

Lost in his thoughts, Raven didn't notice the creak of the door opening.

"Raven! What the hell are you doing?!"

Lyra's voice tore through his thoughts, her tone panicked and furious. She rushed over, her white hair swaying behind her, and snatched the knife from his hand. Her pale skin and black eyes mirrored his own, but hers were filled with shock and anger.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! Why are you cutting yourself?" she snapped, her voice trembling.

Raven blinked at her, quickly regaining his composure. "Relax. I'm not hurting myself. Look, my hand's not even slightly injured." He held up his palm to show her the untouched skin.

"But... there's blood on the knife and your hand!" Lyra shot back, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Oh, that?" Raven chuckled nervously, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just fake blood. I bought it from outside to prank you and Mother. I was packing my stuff and came across it, so I thought I'd try it out. Calm down, will you?"

Lyra's expression darkened, clearly unconvinced but too frustrated to argue. "You're insane." She shoved the knife back into his hand. "Mother and I have packed our things. You should hurry up," she muttered, storming out and slamming the door with a resounding thud.

Raven let out a sigh. "Guess she's mad... Looks like I'll have to tell her something interesting to cheer her up."

He hurriedly tossed the remaining essentials into his bag and stepped out of his room.

The rest of the house was quiet, with Lyra and his mother waiting in the small, cluttered living area. Their identical white hair and black eyes made them look almost ethereal, like ghosts in the dimly lit room.

Their mother wore a plain but elegant dress of pale blue, her delicate frame radiating a soft, gentle presence.

Lyra was dressed in a simple white blouse and a knee-length black skirt, her usual casual yet graceful style.

Raven himself was clad in his rugged, dark outfit, meant for ease of movement — a well-worn black shirt and trousers with sturdy boots.

Each of them carried a single bag. The truth was, they didn't have much to take with them.

"Should I also pack Grim's stuff?" their mother asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Lyra immediately replied, her tone blunt. "Leave it. Grim won't like anyone touching his things."

Raven nodded, agreeing with Lyra's assessment. Grim's secrets were his own, and neither of them dared intrude.

Noticing Lyra's continued annoyance, Raven attempted to change the mood. "Hey, Lyra... You want to hear something interesting?"

"What?" she replied, her arms folded over her chest, eyes glaring at him.

"I met Grim's girlfriend," Raven said casually, letting the words hang in the air.

Both their mother and Lyra stared at him in stunned disbelief.

"Wait, what?!" Lyra's curiosity instantly overpowered her anger. "You're not messing with me, right? Tell me everything!"

Raven smirked, shaking his head. "Nope. Not until you admit you're not mad at me."

"I-I'm not mad!" Lyra blurted out, her curiosity outweighing her frustration. "Now spill it!"

"She's a nice girl. And guess what? She's also 23 years old, like Grim," Raven replied with a grin.

Before he could say more, the honk of a car outside drew their attention. Raven glanced out the window. "Cab's here. I'll tell you the rest on the way. Let's go."

They picked up their bags and stepped outside. As they rode in the cramped cab, Raven explained the encounter with Grim's supposed girlfriend, leaving out their names deliberately.

Their mother listened intently, her concern evident. "What's her name?" she asked.

Raven smirked. "You'll have to ask them yourself. I'm sure we'll meet them soon."

The cab finally pulled up in front of Luxe Haven Apartment. They stepped out, gazing up at the towering, luxurious building. Its glass façade shimmered under the sunlight, its polished structure a stark contrast to their humble old home.

They entered and made their way to Apartment 102. Raven unlocked the door, and they stepped inside. Their eyes widened in shock.

The apartment was lavishly furnished, with elegant sofas, sleek polished floors, and a dining area that looked fit for nobility.

"Did Brother really buy all this?" Lyra whispered, her eyes sparkling with awe.

"He didn't steal it, right?" she added, her voice low and nervous.

"How would I know?" Raven replied with a shrug. "Now, let's pick our rooms."

They wandered through the apartment. There were three rooms on the ground floor and one room upstairs.

"I'll take the room upstairs!" Lyra announced, her enthusiasm barely contained.

Their mother's gentle voice interjected. "Let Grim have that room. We should all stay down here."

Raven nodded. "Yeah, it's better that way."

They each chose a room on the ground floor.

---

101 Luxe Haven Apartment

Seraphine stirred awake in her sister's arms, her body nestled comfortably against Aurelia's warmth. As her golden eyes fluttered open, she found herself gazing at her sister's peaceful face, her crimson hair splayed messily across the pillow. Aurelia's usually intimidating expression was soft, her breathing calm and steady.

Seraphine's eyes traced over Aurelia's delicate neck, where faint love bites still marked her pale, flawless skin. Some were barely visible, hidden beneath the loose silk robe Aurelia wore, its deep crimson shade complementing her striking hair and golden eyes. Seraphine couldn't help but gently touch one of the marks, her fingers brushing against her sister's cool skin.

Her mind wandered to the man responsible for those marks—Grim Cross. His dangerous aura and ruthless demeanor still sent chills down her spine. How could Aurelia be with someone like him? But her sister's decision was made, and her heart seemed set. Grim was Aurelia's choice, and I had no say in the matter.

Perhaps... she should apologize to him.

As she withdrew her hand, Aurelia's eyes slowly opened, her gaze softening when she noticed her sister's worried expression. Gently, she reached out and placed her hand over Seraphine's.

"What's wrong, Lyra?" Aurelia's voice was smooth yet tinged with concern. "I slept well, thanks to you."

Seraphine forced a smile. "I was just... thinking. But it's nothing."

Aurelia arched an eyebrow but chose not to press. Instead, she glanced at the clock on the wall. "Ah, it's late. We should get ready."

The two sisters slipped out of bed and headed to their separate bathrooms. Moments later, they emerged, refreshed and dressed. Aurelia wore a sleek black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair tied elegantly in a loose ponytail.

Seraphine opted for a white blouse tucked into black trousers, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders.

"I'm hungry. Should we order something from outside?" Seraphine asked, rubbing her stomach.

"Good idea," Aurelia agreed. "We skipped dinner last night."

They were about to place an order when faint noises from the corridor caught their attention. Curious, they glanced at each other before heading to the door.

As they opened the door, they were greeted by Luxe Haven workers bustling around the corridor. One of them, a man in a navy uniform, turned to them and offered a polite nod.

"Is something wrong?" Aurelia asked, her sharp gaze locked onto the worker.

"Ah, good morning, ma'am. We were just finishing up with Apartment 102. The new tenants arrived today, so we were making sure everything was functioning properly. The water supply is now connected, and all essential services are active. We're done here, so we'll be leaving shortly."

The worker's words left both sisters stunned.

"They're here?" Seraphine whispered.

"Seems so," Aurelia replied, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "Let's go say hello."

They hurried back inside and quickly changed into something more presentable. Aurelia swapped her dress for a crimson blouse paired with black trousers, while Seraphine wore a soft blue dress that highlighted her graceful features.

They stepped out of their apartment and made their way to Apartment 102. With a deep breath, Aurelia pressed the doorbell.

The door creaked open, revealing a beautiful girl with pale skin, black eyes, and stunningly white hair that tumbled over her shoulders. She wore a simple but elegant lavender dress that highlighted her delicate features.

"Who...?" Lyra's voice trailed off, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Before Aurelia or Seraphine could speak, Raven appeared behind his sister, his sharp gaze softening when he saw the familiar faces.

"Ah, Lyra, I'd like you to meet Grim's girlfriend and her sister," Raven introduced with a smirk. "Our future sister-in-law, apparently."

Aurelia's cheeks flushed crimson at Raven's teasing introduction, but she managed to maintain her composure.

"Sister-in-law?" Lyra repeated, her curiosity morphing into surprise before her lips stretched into a beaming smile. "Nice to meet you! I'm Lyra Cross. So you're the one my brother chose, huh? You're... beautiful."

Aurelia offered a shy smile, her golden eyes softened. "I am Aurelia Ashfall. You can just call me sister if you'd like."

Seraphine stepped forward with a friendly smile. "I'm Seraphine Ashfall, Aurelia's sister. It's nice to meet you, Lyra."

"Please, come in," Raven gestured toward the living room, where simple yet comfortable furniture had been arranged.

They sat down on the cozy brown sofa, the apartment still smelling faintly of fresh paint and polished wood. The living room was sparsely decorated, with only a few essentials, highlighting the Cross family's modest lifestyle.

Moments later, their mother stepped out of her room, her gentle eyes widening at the sight of their visitors. Her pale skin, white hair neatly braided, and the simple yet graceful dress she wore reflected her serene beauty.

Aurelia immediately recognized her and stood from the sofa, walking toward her. Mother's eyes scanned Aurelia from head to toe, pausing momentarily on the faint marks on her neck. But instead of judging, her gaze softened with worry and sympathy.

"Grim's mother..." Aurelia whispered.

"Come closer," the woman spoke, her voice gentle and soothing.

Aurelia nodded and stepped forward. To her surprise, the woman reached out and cupped her face, her touch filled with warmth and compassion. Then, without warning, she pulled Aurelia into a tight embrace.

Aurelia stiffened at first but soon relaxed, overwhelmed by the comforting presence.

After letting go, the woman's gaze shifted to Seraphine, who stood there nervously.

"I am Grim's mother," she introduced herself softly.

"I-I'm Seraphine. Seraphine Ashfall."

The woman's hand touched her face gently before pulling her into a warm hug. As if something deep within her broke, Seraphine's eyes watered, and she began to cry.

"It's alright, child," the woman whispered. "Let it all out."

Seraphine sobbed into her embrace until the tears finally ceased.

Once everyone was seated again, Grim's mother looked at them with pure affection. "Have you two eaten anything?"

They shook their heads.

"We just arrived today, so I'll cook something for all of you tomorrow. For now, Raven, order something from outside," she instructed.

Raven nodded and placed the order, his gaze occasionally drifting toward Aurelia and Seraphine with curiosity.

To Grim's mother, these girls weren't just visitors. She saw something more in them—something worth cherishing.

---

Luxe Haven Apartment 102 – Dining Area

They all sat around the dining table in the spacious, elegantly furnished living area of the apartment. The table, made of polished dark wood, was surrounded by cushioned chairs that made the setting feel both luxurious and welcoming. Large windows allowed the afternoon sunlight to filter in, casting a warm glow over everything.

Raven, Lyra, and their mother and Seraphine and Aurelia sat at the dining table.

As they ate, Aurelia couldn't help but glance around at the simple but cozy setup of the apartment. Despite the humble surroundings, the warmth between the family members was palpable. The way Raven and Lyra spoke to each other, the way their mother's gaze held nothing but love and care—it all stirred something within her.

Raven's mother smiled gently, her eyes brimming with affection as she looked at the two sisters. It was clear to Aurelia that the woman did not see them as strangers but as her own daughters. A soft smile formed on her lips.

Her phone suddenly rang, and Aurelia frowned as she checked the screen. Work.

She stood up from the table, her voice apologetic. "I have some work to attend to, so I'll be heading back now. Seraphine, feel free to stay here longer. I'll see you later."

Raven's mother stood as well, her expression still filled with kindness. "You're always welcome here, Aurelia. Thank you for joining us."

Aurelia gave a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you for having me."

She then left, heading back to her own apartment. As she entered, the familiar luxury of her penthouse greeted her. Heading straight to her home office, she prepared to handle her work, her mind still lingering on the warmth of the family she had just left.

---

Back at Apartment 102

The rest of them finished their meal, and Seraphine found herself glancing around the living area with a serene smile on her face. This was the first time she had felt such a large family's genuine love and care. It was unconditional, natural, and overwhelmingly welcoming.

Lyra suddenly grabbed her hand, leading her to sit on the plush sofa. "Come on, let's talk!" she chirped, her excitement shining through.

Seraphine chuckled softly. "Alright."

"So…" Lyra began with a mischievous smile. "Have you met Grim?"

At the mention of Grim's name, Seraphine's face turned pale.

"What happened?" Lyra asked, her playful expression immediately replaced by concern.

Seraphine hesitated before saying, "I… I might have looked at him strangely. It's… complicated." Of course, she couldn't mention her special ability.

Lyra looked at her, her expression turning sad. "Seraphine, why don't you just apologize to him? It's easier that way."

The suggestion made Seraphine feel strangely comforted. Lyra's sincerity and kindness were like a soothing balm.

"Okay, Lyra. I'll apologize," Seraphine said softly, a small smile forming on her lips. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so willing to open up to someone. Somehow, being around Lyra felt right.

Their conversation continued, a budding friendship forming between them. Seraphine was never the type to open up easily, but something about Lyra's genuine nature was different. It made her feel welcomed, accepted.

---

Raven's Room

Meanwhile, Raven lay sprawled on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as his thoughts raced. His newfound ability fascinated him. The possibilities were endless. Being able to heal his wounds so quickly was more than a gift—it was a tool, a weapon, a way to ensure he could survive anything.

He muttered to himself, "I'll figure out what to do with this ability. No matter how hard things get, I'll overcome them."

Eventually, his eyes grew heavy, and he drifted into a deep sleep.

---

Outside Apartment 102

Grim entered the apartment with his usual imposing presence. He wore a black tracksuit, his tall and muscular frame making him look even more intimidating. His pale skin, white hair, and black eyes only added to his dangerous allure. In his hand, he held a file, his expression unreadable as he stepped into the living area.

Lyra and Seraphine, who were chatting on the sofa, immediately fell silent as they sensed his aura. They both stood up and greeted him cautiously.

Lyra spoke first, "When did you buy this place, Brother? And… how did you get the money?"

Grim ignored her questions, his gaze cool and detached. "Where is mother?"

Lyra pointed toward the room where their mother was resting. "She's in there."

Grim walked over and gently opened the door. Inside, his mother was sitting on the bed, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Mother," Grim said softly, his usual harshness absent. "What's wrong? You don't like the house?"

His mother looked up at him, trying to hide her tears. "No, nothing. I like the house." But her voice trembled, and her eyes told another story.

Grim approached her, his expression softening as he knelt beside the bed. His mother reached for him, pulling him into a tight hug.

"Mother, you can cry," Grim murmured.

His mother sobbed against him, her tears soaking into his black tracksuit. It was a long while before she calmed down, her breathing steadying.

Once she was composed, she looked at him with worry. "Do you… do you like Aurelia?"

Grim's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm not sure."

Her expression grew more desperate as she gripped his hand tightly. "Promise me you'll never hurt them. Please."

Grim stared at her, silent for a moment. "Alright."

"Promise me you'll treat them nicely," his mother pleaded, her voice trembling.

Grim hesitated but then nodded. "I will treat Seraphine as my own sister. As for Aurelia…" His eyes darkened. "I already treat her like my wife."

His mother's eyes widened, shock and relief washing over her features. She didn't understand the true meaning behind his words.

"You should rest, Mother." Grim said, standing up and leaving the room, closing the door gently behind him.