Chapter 40 - He Came Again
The screams had died down. Only the hum of distant laughter and the slow drag of a cigar filled the silence.
Lust sat on the throne again, legs crossed, smoke curling around his face like ghosts that refused to leave. The red lights bathed his scars, giving him the appearance of a man carved straight out of sin.
Zane walked in, calm, expressionless. His boots left faint prints on the marble floor.
“You couldn’t control yourself again.” Lust murmured, exhaling smoke. “A girl? In a hotel?”
Zane didn’t respond.
Lust rose from the throne slowly, the gold snake at the end of his staff glinting under the light. “You kill for pleasure now, or for hunger?”
Zane’s lips curved faintly. “Pleasure is hunger, Father.”
Lust studied him for a moment, jaw tightening. “I told you to disappear, not to drag your filth across borders.”
Zane’s eyes lifted lazily. “I did disappear. To the only place I ever belonged.”
Lust chuckled, the sound hollow. “You mean her.”
Zane said nothing, but the flicker in his eyes betrayed everything.
Lust's laughter turned sharp. “Aurora Raven. You’re still bound to that girl after all these years?” He shook his head.
Zane’s stare hardened.
“Do you know what obsession does, hijo?” Lust stepped closer. “It makes men weak. You want her to look at you again, don’t you? To remember?”
“She will.” Zane said quietly. “Even if it kills her.”
Lust’s laugh came out sharp. “I had a plan for you. You would’ve finally had her, but you ruined it.”
“Plan?” Zane’s tone cut like glass. “The same one I wasn’t even aware of? You said she’d be brought here for me, but you and that bitch had other plans.”
“It was for your own good,” Lust said, jaw tightening.
“I couldn’t have her because of you,” Zane muttered. “But now… no one will stop me. You have enough organs, Father. You don’t need hers.”
He turned and walked out.
Lust laughed behind him, low and feral. “Born out of sin, became sin.”
The laughter died when another figure stepped into the room, slow, calculated.
They wore a black jumpsuit, gloves, and a digital mask that distorted their voice into something unearthly. Genderless. Faceless. Inhuman.
“Shadow,” Lust greeted, his tone shifting to intrigue.
“He’s still being stubborn,” the modulated voice replied.
“It’s nothing but obsession now,” Lust sighed. “You ruined his plan with me, just because you wanted him. I pulled you out of the streets, turned you into something greater, and you fall in love?”
Shadow tilted their head. “All’s fair in love and war. He wanted Aurora. I wanted him. One desire had to win, mine.”
“He hates you,” Lust said with a cruel smile. “I saw the look on his face when he realized he hadn’t gotten rid of you.”
“Shadow isn’t easily erased, Master.”
Lust took another slow drag. “So what’s next? He’ll come for her again. This time, I won’t stop him. I want to watch the show.”
“I don’t reveal plans,” Shadow said. “I just make sure they work.”
And like smoke, Shadow turned and walked out, silent, eerie, and patient.
USA — NEW YORK— NEXT DAY{ALL ELITES COLLEGE}
“It’s like Nicole’s death changed everything,” Oma said as they walked out of class, her voice low but thoughtful. “Can’t even explain how.”
“Did your parents see the news?” she asked.
Aurora rolled her eyes. “Yeah. They kept hovering, asking if I’m okay every two seconds. I almost didn’t make it to school today.”
Oma chuckled softly.
Roseanne caught up with them, practically bouncing. “Babies! Valentine’s Day is coming, and we’re not letting some girl’s death ruin the vibe.”
Oma gave her a side-eye. “It’s literally still a week away, Rose. Relax.”
Roseanne pouted, undeterred.
“Speaking of ruined vibes, did you see Kim? She’s back. I thought she would stop schooling here outta shame.”
“Please,” Oma said. “Kimberly’s the kind who thrives on drama. If Nicole hadn’t died, she’d still find a way to show up.”
Aurora muttered under her breath, “She’s dead already. Leave her alone.”
As if summoned, Kimberly appeared at the end of the hall, her eyes sharp and cold as they locked onto Aurora. The glare could’ve burned holes.
She walked past them without a word, but the whispers that followed her were enough to fill the silence.
Roseanne smirked after her, enjoying the chaos.
“Come on, move.” Oma urged, tugging on Aurora’s wrist. “We’re late for Throne’s class.”
Aurora followed quietly, her expression unreadable, but the unease in her eyes said enough.
LEONARD’S DARK VILLA
The room was buried in shadows, silent except for the soft hum of machines.
Multiple screens flickered, painting Leonard’s face in cold blue light. His eyes caught the glow, almost electric, alive with something dangerous.
He sat perfectly still, fingers moving across the keyboard with surgical precision.
Uncovering. Tracing. Watching.
The deaths were too similar. Not in the obvious way.
It was the format.
Each girl, tied to a bed, legs forced apart, body brutalized.
First Ginny, now Nicole.
That signature again.
That motherfucker’s signature.
Leonard’s jaw clenched.
Then came the name.
Caspian Virell.
He appeared out of nowhere. Always near Aurora. Always watching her.
Leonard had noticed the first day, the way Caspian’s eyes lingered too long when Aurora entered class. The tension. The familiarity.
Why her?
Why now?
And that night at the cinema, Caspian leaving right after Aurora did.
Coincidence?
He didn’t believe in coincidences.
He was lucky he didn’t follow her home.
If he had, Leonard would’ve buried him himself.
Something wasn’t adding up.
Two faces glowed on the main screen, Caspian Virell. Young Zane Saunders.
Leonard leaned back, flicking the small silver coin in his hand, the metal clicking against his fingers like a ticking clock.
He stared at the faces for a long moment, his expression unreadable, cold calculation beneath that blue fire in his eyes.
NEXT DAY ~ ALL ELITES COLLEGE [NOON]
The hallway buzzed with noise. Students moved everywhere, trays clattering, laughter echoing.
Aurora walked with Oma, Ivy, Kiara, and Roseanne. Opposite them, Leonard was coming with Ricky, attention fixed on them, his eyes fixed on Aurora the moment he spotted her.
Kiara noticed. Her stomach twisted.
Ivy raised an eyebrow when Ricky's eyes met hers.
Leonard’s steps slowed, almost like he’d move toward Aurora, then whispers broke the air.
“The police… they’re here.”
Two officers appeared, walking calmly with Nicole’s parents, Mr and Mrs Wilson, both looking so pale with red, puffy eyes.
The crowd went quiet.
“Mr. Leonard Grande.” One of the officers said. “You’ll need to come with us.”
“What the…” Ricky frowned.
Mrs Wilson held out a folded paper. Her voice shook. “Our daughter left this. This monster harassed her and that's why she left the house. Not once but thrice. If it wasn't for you, she wouldn't have gone to that hotel. You're the reason she was murdered!”
Aurora frowned. “That’s dumb. Anyone could’ve written that.”
Mrs Wilson shifted with unease. “Stay out of this! Are you one of his girls too?”
Aurora’s jaw tightened. “Did she also tell you how she tried to taint my name cowardly behind a screen anonymously? Or did you skip that part?”
Mr Wilson stepped forward. “Watch your mouth, girl, before you get arrested too. You look like one of his sluts anyway—”
“Careful.” Leonard's eyes flicked to him, calm but lethal.
Everything went still.
The officer turned to Aurora. “Young lady, don’t interfere. The letter says enough.”
Aurora muttered, “And I say a letter proves nothing. Funny how y'all are quick to act with false information but stay still when there's real evidence.”
Mrs Wilson snapped again, “Then did you write it?”
Aurora’s eyes flashed. “Maybe you did. She’s your daughter. Maybe you’re just like her.”
The air froze.
“Shouldn’t you be looking for Caspian? Why did he disappear after her death?” Ricky demanded.
“And why are you just finding the letter now? The real culprit wasn’t found, and you wanna dump the blame on whoever’s convenient. Pretty pathetic,” Oma added.
“Shut up!” Mrs Wilson shouted.
“You are such a characterless girl.” She spat.
“Your daughter's p?$$y was literally the talk of the college and you're talking about character?!” Someone yelled from the crowd, laughter erupted.
Leonard sighed, bored as f?ck. At least make the chic in baggy stand next to him while y'all chat.
She faced Aurora again, pointing a finger at her. “Be careful girl, don't interfere in things that aren't your business. If I find out you also had a hand in my daughter's murder, you'll be arrested too.”
Leonard glanced at Aurora. “Stay calm, Raven.”
Kiara looked away, jaw tight. Roseanne suppressed a grin.
The officer stepped closer to Leonard.
“Don't. I'm expensive.”
He walked ahead on his own, hands in pockets. The officers followed.
Kiara bit her lips, her breaths uneasy.
Aurora watched him go, heart pounding.
??? Damn, how is he so calm about this?
??? And what kinda basless shit is this?
??? Unbelievable
??? Not my Leo…
“Bloody hell…” Ricky muttered, grabbing his phone from his pocket.
“I know this is the wrong timing but that was damn hot.” Roseanne grinned.
Ivy slapped her forehead.
Aurora wasn't listening.
Will he be back?
VELENNE éCHELON INTERNATIONAL~ EXECUTIVE OFFICE
The elevator doors of the top floor slid open.
The elevator chimed softly as Ricky stepped out, irritation carved into every line of his face.
Assistants glanced up from their desks when he passed, his jaw tight, phone in hand.
Charlene Grande’s office sat at the end of the hall, glass walls, polished marble floor, and the faint sound of classical music playing from somewhere inside.
When he walked in, she was leaning over her desk, signature pen in hand, reviewing a contract. Across from her sat Gemma, elegant as ever, sipping from a white porcelain cup.
“Ricky?” Charlene’s voice was smooth, curious. “You look like you just walked out of chaos.”
“Close enough.” Ricky said, shutting the door behind him. “The police just arrested Leonard.”
Gemma’s cup froze midair. “What? Arrested for what?”
Ricky scoffed. “For being too good-looking, apparently. Nicole’s parents showed up with some letter they claim she wrote, saying Leo harassed her, and that he’s the reason she died.”
Charlene leaned back, eyes narrowing just slightly, the faintest trace of disbelief crossing her flawless face.
Then she exhaled through her nose, calm, controlled.
“I had said this before.” She said, voice steady as ice. “My son is too breathtaking for this world. People will blame him for things their own hearts can’t handle.”
“I told him.” She muttered quietly, almost to herself. “I told him that handsomeness would get him in trouble someday.”
Gemma rose from her chair, clutching her bag. “Charlene, I’m going with you.”
Charlene rose, her beige coat falling perfectly into place over her white silk blouse. “No, Gemma. If both of us go, it'll look like a scene. And we don’t do scenes.”
“Char…”
“No, Gem.” She stood, smooth and composed, slipping on her beige trench coat. “You just check on my sweetheart. Make sure she’s okay. I’ll handle this.”
Gemma nodded slowly. “Fine then, make sure to update me.” She grabbed her bag.
“Of course.” Charlene assured.
She turned to Ricky, her expression unreadable but sharp. “Did the officers touch him?”
Ricky scoffed. “They tried. He told them not to, said he was expensive.”
For a split second, Charlene’s lips curved, pride flashing in her eyes. “Good.”
She grabbed her bag, phone, and car keys. “I’ll handle it. No one does that to my son and walks away breathing easy.”
Ricky muttered, “Didn’t think you’d be this calm.”
“Calm?” She smiled faintly. “This is me being merciful.”
She stopped by the door, turning to her assistant. “Cancel my 3 p.m. meeting. And have the firm’s investigator meet me at the precinct in twenty.”
And then she was gone, heels clicking like warning shots.
Soon after, Gemma left too.
Leonard sat on the metal chair, wrists resting lazily on the table. His head was thrown back in unexplainable boredom.
The air smelled of rust and cheap coffee. A flickering bulb buzzed overhead.
The officer across from him tried to look intimidating, but Leo barely blinked. His expression was unreadable, bored, detached, as if he’d rather be anywhere else.
His thoughts weren’t even here.
Aurora’s face flashed in his mind, the look in her eyes when he was taken, that stubborn fire in her voice when she challenged the police.
The way her lips had parted like she wanted to say more, but didn’t.
His jaw clenched. He’d replayed that moment too many times already.
F?ck! Her lips!
He'd be much calmer if she was sitting on his lap.
“Mr. Grande.” The officer said, snapping him back. “You understand the gravity of this situation?”
Leonard didn't answer.
The officer frowned.
Leo smirked faintly. She better be missing him the way he misses those lips of hers like hell.
MAIN OFFICE AREA~
The air inside the station was thick with murmurs. Phones rang, papers shuffled, and a ceiling fan creaked lazily above.
Then the glass doors opened, and silence followed.
Charlene Grande stepped in like she owned the place. Her heels clicked and the sound faded into the hush that trailed her.
The officers turned. One of them stammered, “M-Mrs. Grande—”
“Where is my son?” She asked softly, not raising her voice, yet somehow it silenced everyone again.
Ricky was behind her, hands shoved in his pockets, his jaw tight in frustration. “They’re treating him like a murderer for a damn letter.”
Charlene glanced at him, a calm smile tugging her lips. “They’ll regret that soon.”
A door opened from the far end. Leonard appeared, led by an officer. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, hands still casually tucked in his pockets, expression blank as always, until his eyes found hers.
Charlene’s gaze softened, just barely. “My precious Ren.” She murmured.
“Goldie.” Leonard muttered, tone flat but respectful.
An officer cleared his throat. “We have a signed letter from the deceased’s family, ma’am. We—”
Charlene raised a manicured hand. “You have paper.” She corrected smoothly. “Not evidence.”
The officer hesitated. “Ma’am, with all due respect—”
“Respect is earned, Officer. And you haven’t earned it yet.”
A few chuckles rippled through the room, quickly stifled.
She turned to Leonard. “Did you kill the girl?”
“Unfortunately not.”
She faced the officer again. “Then release him.”
“It doesn’t work like that—”
“Everything works like that when it’s my son.” Her tone was low, unhurried, but every word was dipped in quiet danger. “Unless you want to explain to the press why the police arrested the heir of Grande Industries based on a forged letter.”
Ricky smirked. “Told you she doesn’t play.”
Leonard exhaled through his nose, faint amusement flickering in his eyes.
Charlene stepped closer to the officer’s desk, her nails tapping once against the wood. “I’ll give you ten minutes to verify that letter. After that, my lawyers will be here. Choose what kind of headlines you want to wake up to tomorrow.”
She turned to her son, her voice dropping to silk. “Let’s leave this forsaken place.”
“Hold on,” Leonard said, eyes narrowing at the letter spread across the desk.
“Shouldn’t this be somewhere secured, given it’s supposed ‘evidence’ against me? Only proves it’s trash. Her fucking mom could’ve written this.” His tone was bored, his stare sharp.
Ricky leaned on the table, scoffing. “Did you even check if it’s her handwriting? The hell is this, a joke? Are y’all even legit?”
Charlene’s lips curved faintly, not in amusement. “You’ll pay for this unprofessionalism.” Her glare was enough to silence the room.
Without sparing another glance at the officers, she turned and walked out, each step echoing through the tense air. Leonard followed, Ricky trailing behind.
“You got arrested before me?” Ricky muttered under his breath. “I’m so jealous.”
Leonard didn’t respond. His mind wasn’t here, not in the station, not even in this city.
All he wanted was the brat.
RAVEN MANSION ~
Midnight draped the world in silence. The kind of silence that waited, heavy, knowing, dangerous.
Aurora sat on the edge of her bed, the glow from the city leaking faintly through her curtains. She hadn’t slept. Couldn’t. Something in her bones told her he would come.
Besides, he's Leonard Grande. With that madness of his, he should be able to toss this matter aside like nothing.
Ricky rushed after when the officers took him, so it's all good. He's prolly out already.
But… Why would he come here? Yes he said he would do it again but still…
The balcony glass door clicked, stopping her train of thoughts, soft and deliberate. A shadow slid in through the half-open glass, broad shoulders, careless grace, a danger that knew its name.
Leonard Grande.
He didn’t speak at first. He just looked at her. That look, the one that always stripped her down to her pulse. His jaw flexed once, eyes burning with something unholy.
“I waited till midnight.” He said, voice low, rough. “That’s when the world’s quiet enough for me to have you to myself.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Leonard tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I just got out of a cell because of a girl who doesn’t even exist anymore. Don’t tell me where I should or shouldn’t be, Noelle.”
He closed the distance, slow, deliberate, until the air between them was electric. His fingers found her chin, forcing her eyes up to meet his.
“You have no idea.” He murmured, his thumb grazing the corner of her mouth, “How much I missed this silence of yours.”
And then, just like before, like he’d been starving for days, his mouth crashed onto hers.
Not gentle. Not questioning. Hungry.
Every inch of restraint burned away in that kiss, every ounce of tension, pain, and longing from the day igniting into something reckless.
Aurora didn’t pull away this time. She couldn’t. He kissed her like a man who had lost everything but still wanted her.
When he finally pulled back, his breath ghosted over her lips. “Next time.” He whispered, “Lock the door, or I’ll take that as an invitation.”
Their lips met again, this time, Aurora's hands went around his neck.
She just realized, or maybe she realized before and denied it.
She enjoys his kisses, she can't deny it anymore, she can't pretend.
His kisses, his touches, how he talks to her. The want in his eyes when he looks at her.
It's addictive and she's gotten used to it.
Without breaking the kiss, Leonard lifted her, placing her in his waist.
He moved, her back met the wall. He worshipped her lips.
Soon enough he broke the kiss to move to her neck, earning unstable breaths from her.
Her head tilted, giving him access to her neck properly. He left marks there.
He turned and moved again, calculated. This time he stopped in front of her bed, placing her gently on it.
He broke the kiss shortly just to look at her face and see how flushed she was.
“You're a good girl.” He drawled.
“And you're a rascal.” She whispered, eyes locked in his till they closed again when he reconnected their lips.
She sank more into the soft bed, the kiss so deep, so sensual, so wet.
She felt it again, her thighs. She's getting soaked…
Leonard's hand sneaked under pajama shirt. His hand reaching for her boob again. Those soft melons.
She didn't stop, didn't complain, just melted under his touch.
There's no denying it anymore. No pretending.
Leonard Grande is a part of her life which she can't escape.
TBC…