Chapter 13 : Aurelia at Ironclad Elite
Aurelia Ashfall stood outside the lavish gym, her striking appearance commanding attention from everyone nearby.
Her long, crimson hair flowed gracefully down her back, reaching her hips, its brilliant shade contrasting sharply with the sleek black coat and tailored pants she wore.
Her golden eyes glinted with a fierce determination as she glanced up at the gleaming sign above the entrance: "Ironclad Elite." The black leather bag she carried hung effortlessly from her shoulder, a subtle but elegant accessory that only added to her aura of authority.
The gym itself was a masterpiece of luxury and sophistication. Its exterior gleamed under the sunlight, polished glass and steel blending seamlessly with pristine white marble.
Beyond the glass doors lay an interior of opulence — pristine marble floors, state-of-the-art equipment, and an atmosphere of exclusivity reserved for only the wealthiest and most powerful individuals.
Just as Aurelia was about to step inside, three disheveled men came running out, their faces pale with terror, their bodies trembling as if they had seen death itself. Their frantic shouts caught her attention.
"They took everything! Those bastards looted us!" one of them cried, his voice shrill with panic.
"They took ten million from us... Just to spare our lives!" another one screamed, his eyes wide with horror. "We can't let this go... We'll come back for revenge! They're going to pay!"
Their desperate voices faded as they stumbled down the street, fleeing from whatever nightmare they had encountered within.
Aurelia arched an eyebrow at the strange encounter but decided to ignore the hysterical men.
Whatever mess they had gotten themselves into was none of her concern. With a graceful step, she entered Ironclad Elite.
The moment she walked inside, every gaze in the room turned towards her. Conversations died down, weights clattered noisily as they were dropped by distracted lifters, and the usual buzz of activity slowed to a halt.
Aurelia's beauty was breathtaking — her flawless skin, striking golden eyes, and elegant demeanor made her seem almost otherworldly.
Even in a place filled with powerful men and women, her presence was unmatched. But she paid no mind to the stares, her expression calm and focused as she approached the reception desk.
The receptionist, a young woman with a nervous smile, looked up at her. "Good afternoon, ma'am. How can I help you?"
"I would like to see the owner of Ironclad Elite," Aurelia stated firmly, her tone polite yet authoritative.
The receptionist hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Um, I'm not sure about the owner, but I can call the manager. Please give me a moment."
The woman scurried off toward the staff room, her anxiousness apparent as she disappeared behind the door.
Moments later, the door swung open, and Kade stepped out.
Kade's sharp blue eyes narrowed as they settled on Aurelia. His well-built frame and long blonde hair gave him a rugged, intimidating appearance. He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression unreadable.
"What business do you have here?" Kade asked, his tone low and direct.
"I would like to see the owner," Aurelia repeated, meeting his gaze without flinching. Her golden eyes reflected a determination that couldn't be shaken.
Kade's stare remained fixed on her, his suspicion evident. "Whatever business you have, you can tell me. I'll relay it to the boss."
"I will only speak to the owner," Aurelia replied coolly, her eyes unyielding.
Kade's smirk was one of amusement and annoyance. "You know, most people would've already given up. And if you think you can waste the boss's time, you're sorely mistaken."
"I assure you, my business is important enough for him to hear," Aurelia insisted, her tone unwavering.
For a moment, the two of them locked eyes in a silent standoff. Aurelia's calm resolve met Kade's scrutinizing gaze with equal intensity.
Finally, Kade gave a low chuckle. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But if you piss him off, even I won't be able to save you. You want to meet him? Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
He turned and gestured for her to follow. Aurelia remained unfazed, her expression calm as she walked behind him.
Kade led her down a corridor, his footsteps echoing against the marble floor.
As they approached the room where Grim awaited, Kade glanced over his shoulder. "Good luck. You'll need it."
Aurelia's only response was a slight nod, her mind already prepared for the encounter to come.
The door swung open, and Aurelia stepped inside.
---
In the Cross household, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the modest home, mingling with the soft chatter coming from the dining area.
Raven stepped inside, his expression calm despite the dull ache pulsing from his injured hand.
"Welcome back, Raven!" Lyra's cheerful voice rang out from the dining table, where she sat beside their mother, both of them in the middle of lunch. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Guess what? I got a gift today!"
Raven forced a small smile, his voice steady. "Sounds interesting. I'll hear all about it in a bit. Just have some stuff to take care of in my room."
Their mother nodded gently, her gaze warm. "Don't take too long. Your lunch is ready."
"I won't," he replied before heading straight to his room, carefully keeping his bleeding hand out of their view.
The wound had reopened on his way home, blood seeping through the poorly wrapped bandage. He couldn't let them see.
Inside his room, he shut the door behind him and unwrapped the blood-soaked cloth from his hand, wincing as the air stung the fresh wound. His intention was to clean and bandage it again, but something else drew his attention.
His gaze drifted toward the mysterious stone resting on his bedside table — the very object he had stolen.
It felt like the stone was calling to him, an inexplicable pull overpowering the pain in his hand.
Almost on instinct, Raven reached out and picked up the stone with his injured hand.
The moment his fingers wrapped around it, a faint glow emanated from the stone, its soft, ethereal light spreading throughout the room.
And then... everything went dark.
Raven's vision blurred, his consciousness slipping away as his body collapsed to the floor.