Chapter 20 : Reunion in Shadow
Raven leaned against the wall, eyes focused on Seraphine's trembling form.
Seraphine sat on the edge of her bed, her shoulders stiff and her hands clutching the sheets as if they were the only things keeping her grounded.
"Don't worry," Raven said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Your sister is alright. She was just a little tired, that's all."
He wasn't sure if she believed him, but Seraphine seemed to relax a bit at his words. Raven, however, couldn't shake the thoughts running through his mind. So, that's the stronger sister she was talking about? But she looked so weak and pale in Grim's arms. The memory of Aurelia's limp form haunted him.
And those red spots on their skin. Grim's and Aurelia's. Damn it, Grim. What the hell did you do? I can never figure you out... and I don't think anyone ever will. He recalled the call from yesterday—Grim talking to his "girlfriend." So, it was her. That thought somehow made his blood boil, though he couldn't explain why.
Seraphine suddenly stood up, her determination outweighing her fear. "I'm going to check on my sister."
Raven stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Why don't we let them rest a bit?"
Seraphine frowned, her golden eyes burning with worry. "That man looks dangerous. I can't leave her alone with him."
Raven kept his voice steady, his gaze locked on hers. "You hired me for my advice, right? The advice I'm giving you right now is that we shouldn't disturb them. Just give them some time."
She looked into his eyes, trying to read him. Finally, she gave a reluctant nod. "Okay... but I'm making something for my sister to eat."
"Sure," Raven said, stepping aside to let her pass.
He followed her out of the room and toward the kitchen. As they walked, they both noticed Grim and Aurelia had gone upstairs.
Seraphine started preparing a healthy, protein-rich breakfast for her sister. She moved with the nervous energy of someone desperate to keep themselves occupied.
Raven helped her, cutting fruits and setting plates while glancing at her from time to time.
"That man," Seraphine said, her voice trembling slightly, "he really looked dangerous. I don't want my sister to be alone with him. I'm going to check on her."
"I get that you're worried," Raven replied, keeping his tone gentle but firm. "But I know him, and I don't think he would do anything to her. Not right now."
The shock in her expression was obvious. "You know him? Who is he? Can you tell me?"
Raven let out a sigh. "He's my brother."
Her eyes widened, disbelief clear on her face. "Your... brother?"
"Yeah. And even I don't know much about him." Raven's eyes grew cold for a moment. "But if there's one thing I can tell you, it's that the best choice we have right now is to wait. If he's in a bad mood, he'll beat even us to a pulp. We should just wait for your sister to come down herself."
Seraphine stared at him, the tension in her expression slowly giving way to reluctant acceptance. She didn't say anything else and continued making breakfast, her movements mechanical and stiff.
Two hours passed. The breakfast was ready, and the two of them sat on the sofa, waiting anxiously for Grim and Aurelia to come down. But there was no movement, no sign of them.
The waiting was unbearable, the silence only amplifying Seraphine's restless energy. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, shattering the quiet.
Seraphine flinched, eyes darting toward the entrance.
Raven stood up, his muscles tensing as he glanced at her. "Who might that be?"
"I-I don't know..." Seraphine's voice trembled.
Raven moved toward the door, Seraphine trailing behind him, taking a nervous peek over his shoulder.
He opened the door, and a group of men pushed their way inside before he could react.
Raven tried to stop them, but he was overpowered by the sheer number of them.
Three men stood at the front, towering over him with eyes full of disdain.
Raven backed away, moving to Seraphine's side. "Who are these guys?"
Seraphine's eyes were wide and filled with terror. "They... they're my father and my two brothers."
Raven's mind raced. He could see the anger and cruel intent etched on their faces.
The older man stepped forward, his cold gaze shifting from Raven to Seraphine. "Who's this bastard?" he sneered.
Seraphine's voice rose, desperation lacing her tone. "Get out! You're not welcome here!"
One of her brothers moved forward, his hand reaching out to grab her. Raven stepped in between them, his fists clenched, ready for whatever was about to happen.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Raven snapped, his voice low and dangerous.
Seraphine's brother smirked. "Stay out of this, kid. This is family business."
Raven's eyes narrowed, his posture tense. "I don't care who you are. You need to leave. Now."
The man's expression darkened, and he took another step forward.
"Or what?"
Raven's black eyes glinted with a fury he was barely containing. "You don't want to find out."
The standoff had only just begun, but Raven could feel the tension thickening. This wasn't going to end peacefully.
Raven's eyes darted around the lavish living room, analyzing every detail.
Several men lurked outside, their silhouettes visible through the massive glass doors. Inside, Seraphine's father and brothers stood with smug arrogance, flanked by three elite bodyguards. Their composed stances and sharp gazes revealed their skill—clearly not amateurs.
His mind raced as he considered his options. I could fight them... maybe. But Seraphine would definitely get hurt in the process.
He glanced at her, standing slightly behind him with her hands clasped tightly, golden eyes wide with terror. Her crimson hair spilled over her shoulders, framing her delicate face. She wore a light, elegant dress that enhanced her fragile appearance. But it was the fear in her eyes that made his blood boil.
An idea formed in his mind, bringing a smirk to his lips. If he could cause enough chaos, enough noise... Grim would come downstairs. And if that happens, they're screwed.
"Well, well, well..." Raven shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "Who the hell do you think you are, barging into someone's house like this? Trespassing, making threats? You've got about three seconds to get the hell out before I throw every one of you out myself!"
One of Seraphine's brothers barked out a laugh, his tone dripping with mockery. "Big words for a dead man. Nobody's coming to save you, boy. Seraphine's coming with us, whether you like it or not."
The older man—Seraphine's father—regarded her with eyes full of disdain. "Where's your bitch of a sister? She's coming with us, too. That troublemaker has been nothing but a disgrace."
Raven's black eyes burned with pure rage, his white hair framing his strikingly handsome yet dangerously fierce face. His rugged attire, meant for stealth and speed, only added to his intimidating aura.
For a moment, the men hesitated, clearly unnerved by the murderous glare he shot their way.
"Enough," Seraphine's father snapped, his voice sharp. "Kill him."
The bodyguards moved forward, their eyes fixed on Raven, prepared to tear him apart.
—
Upstairs, Grim's eyes snapped open, irritation flooding his senses. The commotion below stirred his already dark mood. Who dares to disturb my sleep?
He was about to roll over and ignore it, still heavy with drowsiness, when Aurelia abruptly stirred beside him.
She sat up quickly, panic flashing in her eyes. "Something's wrong."
Grim watched her with mild curiosity as she climbed out of bed and rushed to her wardrobe. She slipped into a sleeveless black top and fitted pants, her movements swift and precise. The red marks left from their intimacy were still visible along her neck, shoulders, and arms.
He couldn't help but watch her, his gaze lingering. As she hurried out of the room, he reached for the shirt she had worn earlier, bringing it to his face and inhaling deeply.
"It smells like her," he whispered, a twisted smirk forming on his lips. The scent was intoxicating.
His amusement shifted to annoyance as the noise downstairs continued. With a sigh, Grim slipped on his white shirt, leaving it unbuttoned, his well-defined chest and abs exposed. The scars littering his body only enhanced his fearsome presence. And over those scars, the fresh love bites Aurelia left behind stood out like trophies of conquest.
Curiosity mixed with irritation drove him to follow her out of the room.
—
Aurelia's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "What the hell do you think you're doing in my house?"
Everyone's attention snapped to her as she descended the stairs, her golden eyes blazing with fury. She quickly made her way to Seraphine's side, her posture rigid and unyielding.
Raven glanced at her and couldn't help but mumble, "Sister-in-law..."
Aurelia shot him a confused glare but chose to ignore his comment. "I asked you a question. What are you doing here?"
Her sleeveless top exposed the love bites and red marks littered across her neck, arms, and shoulders. The sight was striking, scandalous even, leaving her family momentarily speechless.
Her father's face twisted with pure rage. "You filthy slut! Who did you sleep with? Was it this boy?" he snarled, his voice trembling with fury as he pointed at Raven.
Aurelia's expression hardened, her voice cold and dripping with disdain. "Who I sleep with is none of your damn business. Now answer my question. Why are you here?"
The venom in her tone was enough to make even the bodyguards hesitate. But her father's anger outweighed his caution.
"Kill that boy," he growled. "And bring those two insolent whores to me."
The bodyguards advanced, their eyes locked on Raven as they prepared to strike. Raven's stance shifted, his muscles tensing, ready to unleash hell on them. But before anyone could act—
An overwhelming darkness filled the air.
Raven's eyes widened as the pressure crashed down on him, a murderous aura so suffocating it felt like claws wrapping around his throat.
The intruders froze, faces paling as sheer terror gripped their hearts. Even the men outside staggered, their expressions twisted with fear.
Grim descended the stairs like a predator stalking its prey, his calmness more terrifying than any display of rage. His white hair reached his shoulders, his black eyes glinting with icy malice. His muscular physique, covered in scars and fresh love bites from Aurelia, was displayed openly under his unbuttoned white shirt.
He walked up to Aurelia, his expression softening only for her. Cupping her chin, he tilted her head up and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Aurelia's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, her golden eyes softening as she gazed at him with open adoration.
Every eye was locked on them. The casual display of affection was like a declaration of ownership, and it enraged Seraphine's father beyond reason. But the sheer terror of Grim's presence kept him from acting.
Her father's voice shook, but he tried to maintain his authority. "I am the head of the Ashfall family. And I—"
Grim's gaze didn't even flicker his way. It was as if the man's existence was beneath his notice.
From outside, Kade's voice called out, "Oh, boss! There you are. I was looking for you at your apartment, but no one answered. Heard the commotion and figured I'd take a look. Didn't expect to find you here."
Grim placed a hand on Aurelia's shoulder and guided her back toward the stairs. His voice was calm but carried the weight of absolute authority.
"Kade, take care of them," he ordered.
Kade's grin was almost feral. "Got it, boss."