Dc: Blood Of The Quincy King

Chapter 10: 3 years later

Chapter 10: Three Years Later

The city buzzed with life, the hum of engines, the chatter of people, and the constant flow of activity. Jump City was a metropolis alive with energy, its towering skyscrapers stretching toward the clouds. The streets were lined with people rushing about their day, navigating through the urban jungle with the familiar rhythm of daily life. Heroism was woven into the city's fabric, but today, its focus was elsewhere.

The scene shifted to a quiet corner nestled in the heart of the bustling city. A small, cozy bookstore stood proudly amidst the towering buildings. The sign above the door read "Nero’s and Raven’s", its letters elegantly designed, hinting at something deeper, something more than just your average bookstore.

Inside, the first thing a visitor would notice was the tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the noise outside. Soft light filled the room, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged shelves. In the front, an impressive collection of comic books and graphic novels took center stage, while the deeper recesses of the shop held shelves packed with novels, ancient tomes, and literature from every corner of the world.

Behind the counter sat a young woman with strikingly pale skin, her long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her appearance was both mesmerizing and mysterious—her dark aesthetic only accentuating the quiet confidence she exuded. She wore a black, fitted vest over her lithe frame, paired with black jeans cinched by a white belt. On her hands, fingerless black gloves that gripped a well-worn book as she read quietly behind the counter.

Around her neck, an ankh necklace glistened slightly in the soft light. The symbol of eternity and life after death lay against her chest, a stark contrast to the mundane world outside. Her dark, deep-set eyes, though focused on the pages of her book, seemed aware of everything around her—like she could sense the pulse of the store itself.

Behind her, an archway opened into the main room where endless shelves of books awaited discovery. The scent of aged paper and leather-bound volumes filled the air. It was the kind of place that invited visitors to linger, to browse the stories waiting to be unfolded. Despite the hustle and bustle just outside, within these walls, time felt suspended.

The soft chime of the doorbell rang as someone entered the store, but the woman didn’t look up immediately. She simply turned a page in her book with an effortless grace, her gloved fingers brushing over the paper.

Without raising her head, she called out, her voice calm and even, with a hint of dry amusement.

Death: "Welcome to Nero’s and Raven’s. Take your time—whether you're seeking knowledge or something darker, we’ve got it all."

Her lips curled into a slight smile, but her eyes remained on the book. Even from the entrance, it was clear this wasn’t an ordinary shop, and this was no ordinary woman sitting behind the counter.

A young man emerged from behind the counter, moving with quiet confidence. His midnight-black hair was neatly tied back, and his reddish-brown eyes had a sharp, attentive gleam. He wore black jeans and a crisp white dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up slightly, revealing his toned forearms. There was something undeniably commanding yet relaxed about his presence.

As he approached the counter, the pale woman sitting there—Death, as she was known to those close to her—lifted her head slightly from her book. With a sly smile, she pointed to her lips, her meaning clear without a word.

Nero, the man, paused mid-step, chuckling softly to himself. He leaned back toward her, planting a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling away with a grin.

Death: "Be back soon."

Nero: "Alright," he replied smoothly, the warmth in his voice evident despite the easygoing nature of the exchange.