Chapter 4 : The Prey
Lyra's knees felt weak under Grim's unyielding stare, but she forced herself to stand firm. His presence was like a storm cloud, dark and oppressive, and the air around him seemed colder somehow.
Her gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet his eyes. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress as she bent slightly down, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"I-I'm sorry," she whispered, her words spilling out in a rush. "I didn't mean to make you angry this morning. I shouldn't have spoken like that... I was wrong."
Her apology was genuine, laced with fear and desperation.
She kept her eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to look up at him again. The weight of his gaze was too much, like a heavy blade hovering over her neck, ready to strike at any moment.
Grim's expression remained cold, but there was a subtle shift in his gaze, a hint of something softer beneath the icy exterior. He took a slow, deliberate step forward until he was right in front of her. His hand reached out and grabbed her chin, his grip firm and unyielding as he tilted her face up, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Oh, so you're apologizing now?" Grim's voice was low, smooth, but laced with a dark amusement that made her heart pound with fear. "I suppose I can forgive you... this time."
His fingers pressed harder against her chin, the strength in his grip sending a shiver down her spine. His dark eyes bore into hers, unblinking, merciless.
"But if you make me angry again, Lyra..." His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "I don't know what I'll do. So, don't test me."
Keeping her chin trapped in his grasp, his other hand slid up to the back of her head. His fingers tangled in her white hair, brushing through the silken strands as if mocking her with a twisted form of gentleness.
"You shouldn't have made me angry," Grim continued, his lips curling into a cruel smirk. "Or you'll end up losing more than just a few strands of hair."
The way he held her made her feel small and powerless, his presence suffocating. His words carried a genuine threat, and even though his voice was calm, there was something unhinged beneath the surface.
Grim's hand continued to glide through her hair, the motion almost tender if not for the coldness in his gaze.
The way he held her was like she was nothing more than a fragile toy, something he could shatter with the slightest bit of force if he wished. His gentleness was cruel in itself, a reminder of just how easily his temper could turn violent.
Lyra's entire body trembled, her shoulders stiff, but she forced herself to speak. "I-I'm sorry..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mother... Mother asked me to go to the market and... and she wanted me to ask you to come with me."
Her words spilled out in a rushed, shaky breath, her eyes unable to meet his as she stared downward, her fear practically radiating from her. But still, she had dared to make the request, even when her heart hammered against her chest like it was trying to escape.
"For what?" Grim scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. "You want me to play babysitter for you now? After the way you talked back to me?"
Lyra's voice wavered, but she somehow managed to respond. "It's just... It's not safe to go alone. And mother... she's tired. She's resting, so... please."
There was a long, heavy silence. Grim's hand tightened just slightly in her hair, enough to make her wince, before he let out a low, annoyed growl.
"And you think just because Mother told you to ask me, I'd actually care?" His lips curled in a bitter smile. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood."
He released her abruptly, his hand dropping to his side. But his gaze remained fixed on her, watching her reaction like a predator observing wounded prey.
"Fine," Grim said with a cold, dismissive tone. "I'll go with you. But if you annoy me even once, I'll leave you there to find your own way back."
Grim's hand slid from her hair to her cheek, his touch deceptively gentle. His thumb traced the softness of her skin, then brushed against the corner of her eye where a tear threatened to fall. The gesture felt strangely intimate, but the coldness in his gaze made it clear it was anything but kindness.
"So pathetic," he murmured, his voice low and taunting. "Crying already, are we?"
Lyra's breath hitched, her entire body rigid under his touch. Yet she didn't pull away, too terrified to even flinch.
He continued to stroke her cheek, his eyes boring into hers with a twisted curiosity, as if toying with the fragile emotions painted across her face. Then, his lips curled into a smile that held no warmth. "Well, I suppose I'm in a good mood today," he said, his voice almost mockingly soothing. "So, fine. I'll go with you."
His thumb lingered a moment longer, wiping away the tear that never quite fell. "But don't you dare annoy me, Lyra," he added, his tone sharpening. "Or you'll regret it."
He let his hand fall away, turning his back on her with the same casual cruelty he always wielded so effortlessly.
Lyra swallowed her fear and forced herself to nod. "Okay, I'll be waiting outside. Come quickly so we can leave," she said, her voice trembling slightly but steady enough to convey her words.
She turned away before he could respond, her steps hurried and uneven as she escaped from his room.
She didn't dare tell Raven that Grim had agreed to come along. She knew how much her brother despised Grim's cruelty, how he'd try to protect her even if it meant putting himself in harm's way again.
"No, Raven was already hurt enough. He didn't need more worries piled on him." Lyra whispered.
Moving to her room, Lyra changed into a simple yet elegant black dress, the fabric smooth and flowing. It hugged her slender frame, the dark color making her pale skin and white hair stand out even more.
She looked at herself in the cracked mirror, her fingers trembling as she brushed her hair into place. The bruises on her neck from Grim's earlier grip were faint but still visible, shadowed marks that made her chest tighten with fear.
Pushing the thoughts away, she took a deep breath and stepped outside, the cool air brushing against her skin. She stood near the doorway, waiting with anxious anticipation.
Not long after, Grim emerged from the house. He was clad in a black tracksuit that fit his muscular frame perfectly, emphasizing every dangerous curve of his body. His broad shoulders and powerful arms moved with a predatory grace, and his white hair, wild yet strikingly beautiful, framed his handsome yet ruthless face. His black eyes bore into her as if he could devour her whole with just a look.
The way he looked at her made her stomach twist with dread, but she forced herself to remain still, her fists clenching the fabric of her dress.
"Let's get this over with," Grim said, his tone indifferent but his gaze still disturbingly fixated on her.
They left the house, the door creaking shut behind them. The streets were bustling with activity, people going about their daily routines, merchants calling out their wares, and children running and laughing through the dusty paths. But even amid all the noise, the tension between Lyra and Grim was painfully obvious.
Lyra walked close to Grim, clutching the list of items and holding a small cloth bag in her hand. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she tried her best to hide her unease. She didn't want to anger him again, not when he had finally agreed to come along.
"So... we need to get vegetables first. And then, um, some bread and spices," Lyra said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the bustling crowd.
"Yeah," Grim replied without looking at her, his gaze fixed on his phone as he scrolled through something, his expression unreadable.
She bit her lip, trying to keep the conversation alive. "Uh, the baker has fresh bread today. It should still be warm if we get there early. You like fresh bread, right?"
"Sure." Grim's answer was short, dismissive. His eyes briefly flicked to her before returning to his phone.
Lyra glanced up at him, her throat tightening with anxiety. His presence was overwhelming, his coldness a constant reminder of how easily his mood could shift from indifferent to cruel. But she kept trying, her voice strained but steady.
"Do you... do you want me to get you something? Maybe something you like?"
Grim's gaze slid to her, a hint of irritation flashing in his dark eyes. "No. Just get whatever's on the list." His tone was sharp, like a blade slicing through her words.
"Okay," she whispered, her head lowering slightly. She hugged the bag closer to her chest, her steps slowing as she glanced around at the market stalls ahead.
Grim walked with a careless confidence, his broad shoulders cutting through the crowd effortlessly. His attention remained mostly on his phone, only occasionally glancing up to make sure Lyra was still keeping pace.
As they walked through the bustling streets, eyes followed them everywhere. People couldn't help but glance their way, murmuring in awe.
"What a beautiful couple..." one woman whispered to her friend, her gaze lingering on Grim's striking features and Lyra's delicate beauty.
"They look like they stepped out of a painting," another remarked, shaking her head with admiration.
A group of girls huddled together, giggling and stealing glances at Grim. Their cheeks flushed as they whispered about his dangerously handsome appearance, his sharp jawline, his broad shoulders, and those cold, black eyes that made him appear both intimidating and alluring.
Meanwhile, a few boys lounging by the side of the street took notice of Lyra. "Damn, she's beautiful," one of them muttered, eyes shamelessly trailing over her.
Grim's ears caught the words instantly, his head snapping in their direction. The icy glare he shot their way was pure malice, his gaze promising violence. The boys immediately paled, their chatter dying in their throats as they quickly turned away, pretending they hadn't said anything.
Lyra saw the look in Grim's eyes and felt a chill run down her spine. Not wanting things to get worse, she grabbed his hand suddenly, her small fingers wrapping around his wrist as she gently tugged him forward. "Come on, Brother. Let's... let's get the vegetables first."
His gaze softened slightly as he looked down at her, though the dangerous edge in his eyes didn't completely fade. He allowed her to pull him along, his hand still warm in hers as they headed toward the vegetable shop.
Lyra released his hand as they approached the stall, her eyes darting over the fresh produce. She spoke quietly to the merchant, her voice polite and sweet, trying to avoid attracting more attention.
Lyra carefully selected some potatoes, onions, and fresh fruits from the stall. The merchant's hands trembled slightly as he handed over the produce, his gaze flickering nervously to Grim, who stood behind Lyra like a shadow. Grim's dark, unreadable expression was enough to unnerve anyone.
After paying, Lyra gently placed the items into her bag, her fingers fumbling slightly under the weight of Grim's silent presence. She cast a quick glance at him, but he was already looking away, his attention seemingly elsewhere.
"Let's go to the grocery store now," Lyra said softly, her voice trying to sound cheerful but coming out a bit strained.
Grim just gave a curt nod, his gaze still distant as he followed her through the crowded street.
People continued to stare, some admiring their beauty, others simply feeling uncomfortable under Grim's cold aura.
They entered the grocery store, and Lyra immediately began gathering the items listed by her mother. Some spices, bread, dried meats, and a few other essentials. She moved quickly, wanting to finish their shopping as soon as possible.
Grim, meanwhile, trailed behind her with his hands in his pockets, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings as if searching for prey rather than groceries.
Lyra hesitated before glancing up at him. "Um... could you please hold this for me?" she asked, holding out a basket filled with the items.
Grim raised an eyebrow but took the basket without a word. His fingers brushed against hers briefly, and she flinched, but he chose to ignore it.
They left the grocery store, bags in hand, and started heading back home. Grim's expression was as cold as ever, his gaze fixed ahead, but his senses were always alert. Suddenly, his pace slowed, his sharp eyes catching something off.
Lyra's grip on the bag tightened, her steps becoming smaller, almost trembling. Her head was slightly lowered, her face pale as she tried to avoid looking in a certain direction. Grim noticed her reaction immediately.
He shot her a sidelong glance, his eyes narrowing. "What's wrong with you?" he asked, his voice low but edged with irritation.
"N-Nothing," Lyra stammered, her voice shaking despite her attempt to sound normal. But her eyes betrayed her. They kept darting toward a group of boys approaching them with smug, leering grins.
Grim followed her gaze, his sharp eyes zeroing in on the group of four boys, all of them clearly focused on Lyra.
A deep scowl twisted his face as he grabbed her by the bicep, his grip firm but not painful. Without another word, he pulled her along, rushing her toward a narrow alley away from the main street.
Once they were concealed in the shadows, he released her arm but loomed over her, his piercing black eyes demanding answers. "Why are you so afraid? Who are they?" His voice was sharp and cold, but his eyes held a dark intensity.
Lyra hesitated, her eyes cast downward. "I... I know them. They're the ones who harassed me a few days ago when I went out alone," she admitted, her voice small and trembling.
Grim's eyes flickered with something dark. His jaw tightened, but his expression remained disturbingly calm. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with practiced ease.
Taking a long drag, he exhaled a trail of smoke into the air, his gaze now focused on the opening of the alley where the boys were bound to appear.
"Stay behind me," he said, his voice so calm it was almost chilling.
Just then, the group of boys appeared at the mouth of the alley, their cocky grins only widening when they spotted Lyra.
"Well, well, looks like the pretty little flower has gone into hiding. And with her boyfriend, no less," one of them sneered, his eyes raking over Lyra with a disgusting hunger.
Another laughed, "Damn, she's even more beautiful up close."
Grim's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning lethal as he took another drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing like a warning in the dim light.
Grim stood there like an immovable force, his tall, muscular frame casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the narrow alley. His white hair glowed faintly in the dim light, his black eyes gleaming with a cold, merciless intensity. The cigarette hung loosely between his fingers as he eyed the boys with the disdain of a predator watching weak prey.
"What do you want?" Grim's voice was low, almost casual, but laced with an underlying threat that sent a chill down Lyra's spine.
One of the boys stepped forward, his smirk widening as if he'd just been handed a prize. "Well, we were just out for a stroll, and what do we see? The pretty little thing from the other day," he said, his eyes never leaving Lyra's terrified face.
"Yeah, we never got the chance to enjoy her company properly," another one chimed in, licking his lips like a hungry animal. "So why don't you just get lost, buddy, and leave her with us?"
"Yeah, it's not like she's worth much to you, is she?" added a third, laughing cruelly.
Grim's gaze shifted to Lyra for a brief moment, his expression unreadable. Then he released a slow, deliberate breath of smoke before flicking the cigarette aside. His lips curled into a twisted smile, one that promised nothing but pain.
"Oh, you want her?" Grim asked, his voice carrying a dark amusement. Without warning, he reached out and grabbed Lyra's arm, yanking her forward and shoving her a few steps toward the boys. The movement was so sudden, Lyra stumbled and nearly fell.
"Then why don't you try taking her?" Grim challenged, his tone mocking and cold, his eyes daring them to make their move.
Lyra's eyes widened in terror and confusion, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked back at Grim, her lips trembling as she tried to understand what he was doing.
The boys exchanged looks of surprise, then grins of triumph. "Well, if you're offering, then who are we to say no?" one of them chuckled.
But Grim's gaze remained locked onto them, the eerie calmness in his expression making it clear this was nothing but a cruel game he was playing.
One of the boys, grinning with sick anticipation, reached out his hand to grab Lyra. His fingers stretched toward her arm, but Lyra, terrified, instinctively wrapped her arms around herself and took a shaky step back. Her breath hitched, eyes wide and pleading.
But before his hand could make contact, a sudden blur of motion sliced through the air.
Crack!
A sickening sound of bone shattering echoed through the alley. The boy's arm twisted grotesquely as Grim's powerful kick collided with his elbow, snapping it like a brittle twig. The boy crumpled to the ground with a scream "AHHHHHHH", his face twisted in sheer agony as he clutched his mangled arm, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Lyra's eyes widened, her shock freezing her in place. The other boys looked on, stunned, their confidence draining from their faces as quickly as blood from their friend's injury.
Grim stood beside Lyra now, his body tense and ready to strike again, his expression a mask of sadistic calm. His black eyes burned with a vicious satisfaction, lips curving into a smile that was anything but kind.
"Come on," Grim taunted, his voice low and mocking. "I thought you wanted her. So why don't you try taking her?"
The remaining boys exchanged terrified glances, their bravado crumbling under the merciless intensity of Grim's gaze.
The boys, their fear momentarily eclipsed by desperation, exchanged frantic nods before rushing at Grim together. Their shouts filled the narrow alley, an attempt to bolster their courage, but it only made them sound like terrified animals.
"Get him! He can't take us all!" one of them barked, his voice trembling.
But they were nothing to Grim. His movements were swift, brutal, and efficient. His hand shot out and clamped around the throat of the first boy, his grip iron-tight. With a ruthless twist, he slammed the boy's head against the brick wall, the sickening thud followed by a wail of pain.
Another boy lunged at him, but Grim's leg snapped out like a whip, his knee driving into the attacker's ribs with a force that cracked bone. The boy crumpled to the ground, gasping, eyes rolling back in agony.
"Ah! M-My ribs! You bastard!" he choked out, his voice thick with pain.
Another fool dared to throw a punch, but Grim caught his wrist mid-air. With a merciless jerk, he twisted it backward until a loud pop resounded, followed by the boy's gut-wrenching scream.
"My hand! My hand! Please! Stop!"
But Grim's eyes were dead, his face twisted in icy, calculated cruelty. He flung the boy aside like garbage, his body hitting the ground with a thud.
The remaining two trembled, their faces pale as they tried to back away. But Grim wouldn't let them. He grabbed one by the collar, his fingers digging in so hard it nearly choked the boy.
"You wanted her, right?" Grim's voice was low, each word drenched in menace. "Come on. Try to take her. I dare you."
"N-No! Please! We were just… just messing around!" one of them stammered, his voice breaking.
"Just messing around?" Grim's eyes narrowed as he delivered a savage punch to the boy's stomach, causing him to collapse to his knees, retching.
"Please… no more… we're sorry…" the last one whimpered, tears streaming down his face.
Grim's smile was a twisted, horrifying thing. "Sorry? You're not sorry. You're just afraid." He grabbed the final boy by the neck, his grip merciless. "Now, you listen to me. If I ever see your disgusting faces again, if you so much as look at her... I'll finish what I started today."
He released the boy, who stumbled backward, gasping and sobbing. The rest of them lay scattered around the alley, broken, groaning, and utterly defeated.
Grim stood amidst the broken bodies, his gaze as cold as death itself. Without even looking down, he reached for each of them, grabbing their collars and lifting them off the ground like they weighed nothing. He hurled them aside one by one, their bodies crashing against the walls of the alley with sickening thuds.
They lay scattered and trembling, eyes wide with pure terror. Their courage was shattered, leaving only fear and desperation in its wake.
Grim's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "If you want to live, each of you will hand over ten thousand. Per person. Or you can rot in hell for all I care."
The boys scrambled, their broken bodies moving on pure survival instinct. "O-Okay! Okay! We'll hand it over! Just… just let us go, please!"
"Smart choice," Grim sneered, his eyes boring into each of them. "And listen carefully. If I ever see your disgusting faces around here again, if I even hear you breathed near her... Next time, I'm going to kill you. For sure."
With trembling hands, the boys fumbled through their pockets, throwing crumpled bills and coins on the ground, their expressions twisted with fear and pain.
Grim didn't even bother counting. He scooped up the cash with a smirk, his expression cold and victorious. Then, he turned his attention to Lyra, who had been standing frozen all this time, her face pale, her eyes wide and glistening.
He grabbed her arm, his grip firm but not painful, and began leading her out of the alley. The silence between them was thick and heavy, pressing down on both of them like a suffocating fog.
Lyra's tears spilled over, rolling silently down her cheeks. The horrifying violence she had just witnessed left her shaken, her entire body trembling as she struggled to keep up with Grim's long strides.