Chapter 48 : The World They Will Rule
The present
The water had already boiled. The noodles were prepared. And Grim had already eaten.
Aurelia sat beside him, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulder as she watched him silently, her golden eyes calm but sharp.
Grim leaned back, finished with his meal, and caught her gaze.
"Don't look at me like that," he said, his smirk spreading. "You're making me excited."
Aurelia smiled, her eyes meeting his. There was a warmth in them, but also something deeper—something that had waited a long time.
"It took me a long time to reach you," she said softly. "Whenever I was afraid, I thought of you. And whenever I needed help, I imagined you were there. You were my strength in my weakest moments. Just one day… just one day of meeting you made me stronger. If I hadn't met you that day, I would've given up long ago."
Her voice trembled slightly, but the fire in her golden eyes never flickered.
"I desired you more than anything," she whispered. "You said you'd kill for me… and I waited. I searched for you. I was about to give up, but… it was like that day all over again. The one I looked for… was you. Do you know how happy I was? You were exactly the same as you were eighteen years ago."
Grim's white hair fell slightly over his shoulders as he tilted his head, his black eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
"No need to make it so dramatic," he said casually. "I was busy, that's why I couldn't look for you. I was going to search for you soon… but you were already at my door."
He smirked.
"At that time, you were just the same as I remembered. Well, I guess whatever happens, happens for good. Now, I've got a wife to fuck."
His smirk widened.
"No need to say it like that," Aurelia said, rolling her eyes, though a slight smile tugged at her lips.
"Well, should we continue what we were doing?" she asked, her golden eyes glowing with a sudden crazed sparkle.
"No," Grim said, leaning back. "Let's take a proper rest. I don't know how long it's been since either of us truly rested. And honestly… if I start now, I don't think I'll be able to stop myself."
Aurelia stood up, her crimson hair swaying behind her.
"Yeah… it's been a long time," she said quietly. "Let's sleep together. I also have something I want to talk to you about."
They left the dining room together, their steps echoing softly through the hall as they moved toward the stairs.
They climbed to the first floor and entered Aurelia's room. Grim lay down on the bed, his black eyes fixed on her as she approached slowly.
She slipped into bed beside him, using his arm as a pillow, wrapping herself around him and holding him tightly.
"Honey," she whispered, "I'm going to become strong enough… so that I never lose anyone important to me again. The world is going to change soon. A power imbalance is coming—everywhere."
[The truth is, their original world is also called Earth. But it's not the same Earth you know. In their world, there are seven countries in total:
1. Korasia
2. Japani
3. United Federations
4. Ruskovia
5. Germania
6. Veraxon
7. Afrikana
All of them are strong, but the United Federations and Ruskovia are considered the two superpowers. Following them in influence are Korasia, Japani, and Germania—a newly formed country that separated from its powerful neighbors. Veraxon comes next, and Afrikana holds the last spot in terms of economy and power balance.
The world is deeply corrupt. While many good people exist, their numbers are often drowned by the bad.
The political powers are overwhelming. Corrupt interests drive people to fight one another while leaders enjoy luxuries and spread hatred from their golden thrones.
The people have been brainwashed, fed lies and fear. And those who know the truth—many of them educated and aware—are unable to do anything against the corrupted system.]
"We are from Veraxon," Aurelia continued, her voice low. "Our country doesn't hold much power. It's new. Fresh. And weak compared to the monsters that surround it. But not for long."
"There will be major shifts in power," she said. "With power comes greed. And those who are corrupt will claw for it. We need to be ready."
She looked up at him, golden eyes blazing.
"I've already completed the paperwork to open a management company. One that will handle rankers. We'll take control of Veraxon from the inside… and strengthen it until it can stand against the superpowers."
She paused, a sly smile touching her lips.
"I also completed the paperwork for your management company, honey."
The fire in her golden eyes burned brighter against the moonlight spilling through the window.
Grim stared at her, white hair falling over his forehead, his black eyes narrowing with intrigue and approval.
"And yeah…" he said. "We're going to seize power. I think some countries have already started. But ours hasn't. Doesn't matter though. Because this country… this country will belong to me."
There was a dangerous glint in his black eyes as he looked into hers.
"If you need help, just ask."
"Of course," Aurelia said, brushing her crimson hair back behind her ear. "I need a building. Do you have one right now?"
Grim laughed. "I have a few. Tomorrow, come to the gym and take one from Kade. Whichever you like."
Without warning, Grim moved in closer and buried his face into her armpit, taking a deep breath.
"You always smell so good," he murmured as he gently licked her skin.
Aurelia's hand moved to his face, soft and firm.
"Stop," she said gently. "Don't do that or… I won't be able to control myself."
"You're asking Kade, so I assume you won't be there?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "Where are you going? Don't tell me you're going to meet some other bitch."
Her golden eyes glared into his.
Grim smirked.
"Don't worry. I'm not interested in anything except you and power. The rest doesn't matter."
He leaned back.
"Tomorrow, I'm going to pick up my younger sister."
Aurelia blinked. "What? Which sister?"
He shrugged.
"I don't know her name. I'll ask tomorrow. She's my stepsister. My father had an affair, and she's the result. I thought about ignoring her… but she has my blood. If she has my blood, then she belongs to me."
His voice was calm but carried a weight that lingered in the air.
Aurelia stared at him silently for a moment.
"…I would have come with you," she said at last, "but I'm busy tomorrow. Still, make sure to bring her to me first. I will decide if she can stay."
Grim chuckled.
"All right, darling. Now let's sleep. I think we haven't slept properly in… what, seven months?"
---
Morning at Apartment 102
Raven was already awake. He wasn't asleep — just lying still in his bed, staring at the ceiling. His expression was cold and distant, a quiet storm brewing in his black eyes. His snow-white hair spilled across the pillow, untouched by the light spilling in from the window. Though he was awake, he made no effort to get up. He simply remained there, unmoving.
Outside, in the kitchen of Apartment 102, the warm aroma of breakfast filled the air. Their mother, graceful as always with her long white hair and soft black eyes, moved about with practiced ease. Lyra sat at the dining table, busy with something on her tablet, her beautiful white hair cascading over her shoulder, catching the morning sun.
Seraphine stood beside their mother, helping her prepare breakfast. Her long crimson hair glowed under the kitchen lights, and her golden eyes shimmered with warmth.
"Why don't you go and wake Raven up?" their mother said with a gentle smile, her tone soft as ever.
Seraphine nodded. "I'll go."
She made her way to Raven's room and knocked lightly on the door.
No answer.
After a brief pause, she slowly opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dim and quiet.
Raven was lying on the bed, still. His white hair was tousled, his black eyes staring upward — cold, dark, and empty of emotion. There was something distant in his expression, something unreadable.
Seraphine walked in quietly and sat beside him. Her hand, gentle and warm, reached out to touch his face.
"You look off... Is something bothering you?" she asked, her voice soft, filled with concern.
Raven blinked and looked at her, forcing a small smile to hide the void in his gaze.
"No. It's nothing," he replied calmly.
But Seraphine's ability had already activated. Her golden eyes flickered subtly, and in an instant, the words appeared before her:
RAVEN CROSS
UNINTERESTED
She could see the truth, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she smiled faintly and stood up.
"Come outside. Mother is calling you," she said gently and left the room.
Raven remained motionless for a moment, then finally exhaled. He pushed the blanket off, got out of bed, and made his way to the bathroom to freshen up.
When he came out, the dining table was already set. His mother, Lyra, and Seraphine were seated. Across from them, Grim and Aurelia had just arrived and taken their seats as well.
Grim's long white hair fell over his shoulder like snow against midnight. His dark black eyes scanned the room with quiet calculation.
Aurelia sat beside him, stunning in every sense — her long crimson hair gleamed like fire, and her golden eyes held a commanding yet elegant glow. The two of them, sitting side by side, looked like beings from another world — beautiful, intimidating, and undeniably powerful.
Raven silently observed them both before taking a seat next to Seraphine.
A quiet atmosphere settled over the table. Everyone began eating in silence, the tension thick but unspoken.
Lyra's gaze wandered across the table, and her eyes landed on Aurelia's hand. Her breath caught slightly.
"Sister-in-law," Lyra said with curiosity, "that's a really cool ring. Where did you get it?"
Aurelia looked at her hand and smiled, holding it up for everyone to see.
"Oh! I forgot to mention... Grim and I are married now."
A heavy silence fell across the table.
Everyone froze, shocked and flabbergasted.
"What?!" Seraphine exclaimed, her eyes wide in disbelief.
Aurelia nodded calmly. "Yes, it's official by law now. We'll be holding a proper wedding in a few months."
Seraphine looked like she wanted to say something more, but her voice caught before she could.
Their mother smiled, her dark eyes glowing softly. "It's alright. We've already started planning how the wedding will be."
Lyra leaned forward, eyes still locked on Aurelia's ring. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe. "It's brilliant and gleaming, like a diamond forged from pure, ethereal light. It shimmers with a deadly beauty. And… it has Grim's name engraved on it."
Lyra tilted her head. "Why does it have his name?"
Aurelia smirked. "Well, I belong to your brother now. So this shows that I'm his."
Seraphine and Lyra turned to Grim, their eyes falling on his hand.
His ring was something else entirely — otherworldly. It was crafted from a deep, glimmering black diamond that seemed to absorb all surrounding light. Its surface was flawless, and engraved upon it was one name: AURELIA.
The ring didn't just look beautiful — it radiated danger. It felt like it held a hidden power, quietly waiting to be awakened.
Neither Seraphine nor Lyra asked anything. They simply stared, silently acknowledging something deeper than words.
Grim suddenly stood up, his voice firm and cold. "I've got some work to take care of. Aurelia, pick whatever you like today. I'll be at your company."
Aurelia stood too and gave him a small smile. "Okay."
She turned to their mother. "I'll be back soon. And you all were planning to go somewhere today, weren't you?"
"Yes," Lyra replied, still a little dazed from everything.
"Perfect. You should get ready and go," Aurelia said warmly before leaving.
Everyone had finished their breakfast. The calm air inside Apartment 102 was replaced with the soft rustling of fabric and movement as they all got ready to head out.
Lyra wore a light lavender dress with white sandals, simple yet elegant, her long white hair brushed neatly down her back. Her black eyes shimmered with excitement.
Seraphine wore a casual cream blouse tucked into a pair of fitted beige pants. Her long crimson hair flowed freely, and her golden eyes held a gentle spark.
Their mother, graceful as ever, wore a soft blue dress with silver detailing and a light shawl. Her white hair was tied into a neat bun, and her black eyes glowed with quiet warmth.
Raven emerged last. He wore a dark charcoal shirt layered under a black jacket, with matching pants and boots — his attire echoing the shadow within him. His white hair was slightly messy, and his black eyes carried a quiet intensity that contrasted with the light around him.
Once everyone was ready, they all stepped out together, the door to Apartment 102 closing softly behind them as the golden morning sun welcomed their day.
___
Outside the Angel's Arm Orphanage
Grim stood still at the gates, his figure exuding raw presence and authority. He wore a perfectly tailored white suit paired with polished white shoes. His long white hair danced lightly in the wind, and his dark black eyes locked onto the old signboard that read Angel's Arm Orphanage.
His aura was sharp. Unforgiving.
"Okay…" Grim muttered, his voice low and cold like steel, "...let's go and see that bastard."