Chapter 57 – Quiet Apologies
The tension inside Class A lingers like a fading storm.
Lyra and Sophia step back into the room, their footsteps light against the polished floor. The quiet murmurs from the other students barely register as Sophia walks with purpose, her eyes fixed ahead.
Without hesitation, she stops in front of Seraphine.
"I'm sorry," Sophia says softly, voice calm and clear. "I shouldn't have said what I did earlier."
Seraphine blinks, stunned. Her golden eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, she doesn't speak. That was… fast. And unexpected. She studies Sophia's face, trying to read her expression—there's no arrogance, no mockery. Just sincerity.
Her eyes shift toward Lyra, who stands a few steps behind, smiling innocently.
Seraphine lets out a small breath, letting her guard drop. "It's okay," she replies, voice even. "Let's just let it go."
Sophia nods, then returns to her seat without another word.
The atmosphere in the class settles. The sun outside begins to dip lower, casting long shadows across the room. The final bell chimes.
Class is over.
---
Outside the academy gates, the black car is already waiting. Rhea stands beside it in her elegant uniform.
Lyra, Seraphine, and Raven step into the evening breeze, walking toward the car as students begin to scatter in different directions.
Rhea opens the door for them with a small bow. "Welcome back. I hope your first day went well."
They slide into the plush seats, the door closing with a soft click. The engine hums to life, and the car begins its smooth journey toward Luxe Haven.
The city lights blur past the tinted windows, a blend of violet and gold. The silence inside the car is thick—until Seraphine turns to Lyra, her voice quiet but curious.
"What did you say to her?"
Lyra tilts her head, brushing her white hair behind her ear. "Hmm? Oh… nothing much. She was just teasing you, that's all."
Seraphine narrows her eyes slightly, not entirely convinced. But she doesn't press further.
Raven leans forward from his seat. "Wait—what happened?"
Seraphine doesn't even glance at him.
"It was all your fault," she says, sharp and cool.
Raven's eyes widen, confused. "My fault? What did I even—?"
"I don't want to talk to you," Seraphine cuts him off, crossing her arms and turning to stare out the window.
Raven slumps back into his seat with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "What the hell did I do…"
Lyra chuckles softly from the other side of the car. She stretches her legs out and props one foot up casually. "I warned you not to get into trouble."
The rest of the ride is quiet, filled only with the sound of the road and the low hum of the car's engine.
---
The car finally pulls up outside Luxe Haven, its sleek black body gleaming under the streetlights. The building towers above them—elegant, cold, and secure.
The door opens.
Rhea bows again. "We've arrived."
They step out one by one, the tension still lingering like a shadow behind them.
---
The sleek doors of Apartment 102 slid open with a whisper, revealing the warm glow of the interior. The scent of roasted herbs and simmering spices curled through the air—their mother had already prepared dinner.
She stood by the dining table, her gentle smile softening the sharp angles of her tired face. Her white hair, usually neatly pinned back, now fell loosely around her shoulders, and her black eyes—so like Grim's, yet infinitely kinder—brightened as they entered.
"Welcome back," she said, voice warm. "How was your first day?"
Lyra bounded forward, her own silken white hair bouncing with her steps. "It was fun!" she chirped, slipping into her chair with effortless grace.
Seraphine lingered near the doorway, her crimson hair catching the golden light like embers. She exhaled, shoulders relaxing. "It was... bearable."
Raven flopped onto the couch, rubbing his neck. "Yeah. Bearable."
Their mother chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, that's nice. Go freshen up and come down for dinner."
Raven glanced at her—really looked at her. The shadows under her eyes had faded, the tension in her posture finally unwound. It take some for her to recover after meeting Layla, but now, she seemed… at peace.
"Yes, Mother," he said, pushing himself up. "We'll be back soon."
---
Lyra was the first to return, her snowy hair still damp from a quick shower, her dark eyes scanning the empty dining room.
"Lyra," their mother said, stirring a pot on the stove, "why don't you go bring your brother and sister-in-law? They're in the next apartment."
Lyra blinked. "Oh! They're here?" A mischievous grin tugged at her lips. "I'll go get them!" She darted out, the door clicking shut behind her.
---
Seraphine's Room
Seraphine lay sprawled across her bed, her crimson hair fanned out like spilled wine against the sheets. Her golden eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, exhaustion weighing her limbs.
The door creaked open.
"Why aren't you coming outside?" Raven leaned against the frame, arms crossed. "Mother's waiting."
Seraphine didn't move. Didn't even glance at him. She simply turned her head away, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Raven sighed. "Still mad?" He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "At least tell me what I did. How else am I supposed to know?"
Silence.
Seraphine's fingers curled into the sheets, her shoulders stiff.
Then,
Swish.
In a flash, Raven was beside her, his body molding against hers as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Wha...?!" Seraphine jolted, twisting to face him,only to find his black eyes staring at her with unbearable softness.
"Now you're looking at me," he murmured, his thumb brushing her cheek.
She tried to shove him away, but he held firm, pressing his face into the curve of her neck. His breath was warm against her skin as he inhaled deeply.
"You know what?" His voice was a low hum, vibrating through her. "Your scent is amazing. How do you always smell this good?"
Seraphine's face burned."R-Raven—"
"Let's just forget lunch," he murmured, tightening his grip. "I'd rather stay like this. Just… close to you." His body pressed flush against hers, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of her clothes.
For a heartbeat, she froze,then her hands flew up, shoving him back with a force that surprised even her.
"I..I'm going to eat," she stammered, scrambling off the bed, her golden eyes wide, her cheeks flushed crimson. "If you want to come, then come."
And before he could respond, she fled, the door slamming behind her.
Raven lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, a slow smirk curling his lips.
"Worth it."
___
Apartment 101
Apartment 101 was quiet, dimly lit by the soft afternoon glow filtering in through the windows. Only the living room light was on, casting a warm haze over the polished floor and neat furniture.
Lyra stepped inside and closed the door behind her. The silence felt peaceful, almost cozy.
On the sofa sat Grim, shirtless, his toned physique as imposing as ever. His chiseled abs were clearly visible, but today, his usually sharp presence was strangely gentle.
In Grim's lap sat Grace—her crimson hair and golden eyes focused on the book he was reading aloud.
Across from them sat Aurelia, her elegant figure poised in a crisp white suit. Her crimson hair shimmered softly under the afternoon sun as she scribbled notes onto a large scroll at the table.
Beside her, Layla sat quietly, black hair tied back neatly, her black eyes—so much like Grim's—watching her mother write with fascination.
"Sister Lyra, you're back!" Grace and Layla exclaimed together. They leapt up,Grace from Grim's lap, Layla from the table,and ran straight toward her.
Lyra bent slightly, grinning as she caught them both in a hug. "Yes, I'm back."
"How was your day?" they asked, eyes wide with curiosity. "Tell us everything!"
Aurelia stood, smoothing her suit with a light motion. "How was it, Lyra?"
"It was fun," Lyra replied cheerfully, setting the girls down.
Aurelia's expression grew more focused. "Did you observe what I asked you to?"
"I did," Lyra nodded. "I'll tell you later. But… what were you working on? It looked like magic theory."
"It is," Aurelia said, gesturing toward her scroll. "A work in progress."
Lyra stepped closer. "Sister-in-law, I was wondering… can you teach me how to gather mana properly? I think it'll help me refine my ability."
Aurelia looked at her, then smiled gently. "Alright. I'll teach you this evening."
"I want to learn too! Me too!" Layla chimed in excitedly, tugging at her mother's sleeve.
Grace joined in instantly. "Me three! Please, Mama!"
Aurelia laughed softly, brushing their hair with her fingers. "Of course. I'll teach all of you."
Their little chatter was broken by Grim's calm voice.
"Was there any trouble at the Academy?"
Lyra turned toward him and shook her head. "No, it was fine, brother. Actually… I had a lot of fun."
Grim gave a small nod. "Good."
A moment later, Lyra remembered. "Ah! Mother was calling you all for lunch. She sent me to get you."
Grim stood, stretching slightly. "Alright. Lyra, take Grace and Layla ahead. I'll come with Aurelia."
"Okay." Lyra scooped both the girls into her arms with ease, giggling as they wrapped around her playfully. She waved toward Aurelia and Grim, then stepped out of the apartment with light footsteps, their laughter trailing behind her.