The sound of the ocean washing ashore filled the air, rhythmic and calming. Golden light from the rising sun filtered into the bedroom, slipping through the partially open window. Outside, the Amalfi Coast stretched along the horizon, its rugged cliffs and cerulean waters forming a serene backdrop.
Inside the room, the grey walls were stark, and unpacked boxes lined the floor in neat rows. The space was large but impersonal, like a temporary shelter rather than a home. Sprawled in the middle of the bed was Raven. Her purple hair, tousled from sleep, clung to the pillow. She wore a fitted vest and a pair of black shorts, her violet eyes slowly blinking open against the incoming light.
The gentle crash of waves brought her back to reality. She sat up slowly, running a hand through her tangled hair, glancing at the scattered boxes around her. It had been two days since she and Nero arrived in Italy—two days of uneasy quiet after months of chaos. Even with the beautiful views and peaceful sound of the ocean, the tension in her chest had yet to release.
Raven stood and stretched, padding barefoot to the window. Pulling back the curtain, she took in the sight of the sun rising over the coast. The sea shimmered under the golden light, and the early morning breeze carried the scent of saltwater into the room. It was beautiful—undeniably so. But it wasn’t home.
Jump City, with its towering skyscrapers and constant noise, felt like a lifetime ago. But the battle wasn’t over, even here. She could feel it, that familiar sense of foreboding lurking just beneath the surface.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of movement from the other side of the apartment. Nero was awake. The soft clinking of dishes and the low hum of his voice reached her ears. She didn’t need to hear the words to know he was probably talking to Didi again—Death herself, who had popped in and out of their journey to Italy like a casual observer to their chaos.
Raven sighed and turned away from the window, slipping into her boots. A knock on the door followed soon after.
Nero (from outside): "You up, Bella? Breakfast is ready."
Raven rolled her eyes at the nickname. She tied her boots quickly and headed out of the bedroom. Entering the kitchen, she found Nero at the stove, flipping pancakes with an easy smile on his face. He was dressed casually in a white t-shirt and dark jeans, looking surprisingly at ease for someone with his complicated heritage. His ebony skin glowed under the sunlight streaming through the open window, and his reddish-brown eyes met hers as she approached.
Nero: "Sleep well?"
Raven: "As well as anyone who’s uprooted their life."
Nero chuckled, placing the last pancake on a plate and setting it on the table. The kitchen was simple but welcoming, with warm wood tones and sunlight flooding in. It was small but enough for now.
As Raven sat down, Nero joined her with two mugs of coffee, sliding one toward her as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze drifted out the window toward the distant sea.
Nero: "It’s peaceful here."
Raven: "Maybe too peaceful. It feels… fragile."
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, the sound of the ocean and occasional chatter from outside filling the gaps in conversation. The nearby village was coming to life, and Raven could hear the faint sounds of footsteps and conversation from the street below.
Nero: "You think it’ll stay this quiet?"
Raven didn’t answer right away, but her eyes darkened slightly as she stared at her coffee.
Raven: "No. It won’t. Not with everything that’s happening."
Nero leaned forward, his expression becoming more serious.
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Dc: Blood Of The Quincy King
Fanfiction"It was foretold that the Quincy King would stir after 900 years, reclaim his mind after 90, and restore his strength after 9. But none foresaw the consequences of his forbidden union with a fallen angel. From this union, a child was born-Nero Lucia...
