His Crode Clutches

Mysterious culprit!

|| Author POV ||

“Something feels off. That man joined the academy and withdrew in the same year.” Chris said, sliding a few old files across the glass coffee table.

Killian, seated across from him in the living room frowned deeply. His eyes flicked toward the main door briefly. A subtle sign he was waiting for someone.

“He was listed as a social studies professor.” Chris continued, tapping the folder “But resigned just a few months in. No reason listed. And look at this, no photograph. No ID scan. Almost like he wiped out his own existence from the records.”

“What’s the name?” Killian’s voice dropped an octave, filled with suspicion.

Chris hesitated. “It says the name was Cedric Thorne. But that could be fake. It’s difficult to find out the actual culprit since it’s been more than nine years, Killian. The person who ‘did that’ was really clever.”

Killian nodded with clenched jaw. His gaze darkened and he leaned back, silent for a moment.

“Dig deeper, Chris.” he muttered. “Find out who really went by that name. I’ll make sure he pays in the worst way imaginable.”

Chris gave a small nod. He could see the vengeance in his hoarse voice. “I’ll take my leave, then.”

Chris stood up and straightened his coat before turning toward the door. Just as he stepped forward, his eyes landed on the girl quietly slipping off her shoes in the entryway.

Their eyes met, almost accidentally. Chris held her gaze for a second. Then without a word, he bowed slightly and exited the mansion.

Rosa nervously slipped off her shoes, stepping inside only to freeze when she noticed him approaching.

Killian’s tall figure emerged from the couch, his expression was cold. Rosa gripped the fabric of her dress tightly.

“What time is it now?”

His cold rough voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Rosa’s body stiffened. Her anxious eyes rose to meet his. He stood before her, hands tucked into his pockets with his usual dark presence.

“Where were you?”

Rosa instinctively took a step back, her fingers knotting together in front of her. Killian’s gaze dropped, noting the faint dust smudged across her dress... then lower, to the phone clutched in her trembling hands.

His brow twitched. “Whose phone is that?”

Rosa hesitated, “M-My phone.” she stammered with her brows drawn together, fear clouding her face.

Killian’s eyes darkened. “Where did you get it?” he asked, stepping closer.

Rosa instinctively backed away, her grip tightening on the device. “I-I sneaked in...” she confessed hesitantly.

“What?” Killian snapped with a scowl forming on his face.

Rosa gulped, clutching the phone tighter in her hand. Her breath hitched when he took one more step closer, his towering frame now casting a shadow over her.

“Do you even realize how reckless that was?” he hissed. “You think sneaking into the place that threw you out was a game?” he raised his voice this time.

Rosa flinched hard. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. “I just wa-wanted my phone back.” she mumbled, trembling under his gaze. He stared at her for a long second, “You’re really testing my patience, Miss Sinclair!”

Her eyes warmed up. “I-I just wanted what’s mine.” she mumbled, cheeks were flushing red.

Killian’s fists tightened at his sides, his knuckles turned pale. His icy eyes locked on her, slicing through her soul.

She had risked everything for something so small? So careless. So her!

He let out a dry humorless chuckle and stepped closer. Rosa backed away until her back hit the door behind her. She gasped softly.

Killian didn’t stop.

With a sharp thud, his palms slammed against the door on either side of her head, caging her in. Her whole body tensed.

“Tell me,” he uttered dangerously “what would’ve happened if they caught you sneaking in?” His tone sent a chill down her spine.

Rosa felt exposed. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest and she tried to shrink away from his piercing stare.

“I-I’m sorry.” she whispered.

Killian scoffed darkly, looking away from her. He ran a hand through his hair, eyes darkening as he finally met her gaze again. “Next time, don’t you dare pull such stupid actions!”

Rosa’s head drooped, her gaze fixed on the floor. Killian took a step back, “Never wander outside alone at this hour.” he warned firmly “That’s an order!”

Rosa fluttered her lashes.

“Go to your room!” he strictly ordered.

She didn’t speak, only nodded weakly and moved away. When she finally reached her room, she sank onto the bed.

She stared blankly at the ceiling, thoughts swirling. Those words, her aunt’s words, kept replaying in her mind.

|| Flashback ||

Rosa carefully climbed through the window, her movements silent and cautious. Her feet touched the familiar floor of her dark room, and for a moment, she just stood there, eyes scanning the space that once held her world.

Then she tiptoed to the study table, recalling exactly where she had left her phone. On top of a book.

Her blinked unsure but relief filled her when she found it still there.

Clutching the phone tightly, Rosa turned toward the window, ready to leave but something stopped her.

Her gaze romaned around her room one more time and then drifted back to the table. She stepped closer and opened the drawer. Her eyes landed on the picture inside of it.

Without thinking, she picked it up. But she got startled when she heard her aunt’s voice.

She froze, panic rising in her chest until she realized the voice was coming from outside the room. It was faint, as if her aunt was speaking with someone over a phone call.

Her aunt had the habit of gossiping with her friends even on calls. She must be passing by the room. Rosa took a shaky breath and calmed herself.

Still, the sound of her aunt’s voice made her chest tighten. No matter what had happened, that woman had raised her after her parents passed away. For that, Rosa had always carried a quiet sense of gratitude.

But just as she turned toward the window ready to leave, her aunt’s words reached her ears.

“That’s right, I got rid of her. She had no idea who the real owner of this mansion was. Poor thing, she didn’t even know it belonged to her.”

The rest of the sentence faded, her aunt’s voice muffled and drifting farther away but it was enough! Rosa stood frozen with wide eyes.

Her legs suddenly felt weak. The phone and photo trembled in her hands as a sharp chill ran down her spine.

The words didn’t leave her mind.

Her aunt betrayed her.

Rosa blinked, the flashback slipped away like smoke in the wind. She was no longer inside that house, she was now staring at the ceiling of his mansion.

She exhaled softly, raising the photo above her as she lay still on the bed. It was taken years ago, her mother’s gentle smile frozen in time and her own younger self, a tiny figure peeking up at that smile with innocent joy. Those eyes were full of wonder, clinging to her mother who felt like everything.

The moment was simple yet it ached. It was all a memory. Just a memory.

|| The next day ||

Rosalie and Aria were walking back to their class after lunch break when they noticed a large crowd gathered in the hallway.

“Why is there such a crowd? Did something happen?” Aria frowned, trying to get a better view.

“I don’t know.” Rosa replied, eyeing the growing group of students and the buzz of voices echoing around them.

Curious, they both leaned forward. Aria nudged her way through the students weaving closer to the wall. Her eyes widened when they landed on a large poster.

Rosa peeked over Aria’s shoulder and caught sight of the poster. She took a step back.

“Oh my god, Rosa! It’s the prom announcement! I’m so excited!” Aria exclaimed, nudging her excitedly.

Rosa made an ‘o’ face.

Aria nodded, grinning until her eyes dropped to the date. “Wait, what? The night before our exams?” Her excitement vanished. “Are they serious right now? Why would they hold it the night before our exam?”

“That doesn’t make any sense!” Aria scowled.

Rosa stayed quiet and her face showed no excitement. The crowd around the notice board grew louder. Everyone buzzed with either excitement or frustration.

As the two walked back to their class, they overheard someone say, “The prom was supposed to be held this week but it got delayed because of some management issue.”

The bell rang and Mr. Kang Rowan stepped into the classroom. As always his gaze briefly lingered on Rosa.

Rosa kept her head down, quietly sketched doodles in the corner of her notebook.

“Attention, everyone.” Mr. Kang’s voice dropped the class into silence. “I assume you’ve all seen the prom notice by now.”

Murmurs rippled through the room.

“This year, the event will be held next week.” he continued in his calm tone. “It was originally planned for this week. But unfortunately due to some last-minute scheduling issues, it’s been pushed back and will now take place the night before your final exams.”

A few students groaned.

“I know the timing isn’t ideal.” he added, “But since the academy will close for a long holiday after finals, rescheduling wasn’t an option. We appreciate your understanding and I expect you all to enjoy the event and study responsibly.”

The classroom buzzed with chatter again.

“And lastly,” Mr. Kang added, “you’ll need to collect your entry cards from Mr. Salvatore. Miss Ava will be overseeing the entire event. Attendance is mandatory for all students.”

The atmosphere shifted, filling with energy and anticipation. Some students were already discussing outfits and dance partners.

After the class ended, Mr. Kang left the room and not even a minute later, the class fell silent as Professor Salvatore stepped in. One by one, students went to collect their entry cards. Aria returned to her seat and nudged Rosa.

“Go on, Rosa.” she whispered.

Rosa hesitated, Mr. Kang’s words echoing in her mind, ‘Attendance is mandatory.’

With a small breath, she stood up, nervously fidgeting with her fingers and approached his desk.

Her eyes met his piercing blues for a fleeting second before he wordlessly placed the entry card on the desk. Rosa quietly picked it up and returned to her seat.

Max looked at Rosa with a gentle smile, leaning back in his seat casually. Killian’s eyes didn’t miss a thing. His dark eyes locked on the young boy.

---

Night fell heavy on the city.

Rosa quietly sat at the dining table, barely chewing her food when the sound of measured footsteps made her stiffen. She didn’t need to look up to know it was him.

Killian walked past her and took the seat across from her, the chair scraping lightly against the floor.

Her fingers fumbled slightly on the spoon. Is he going to have dinner... with me?

She wondered while keeping her gaze lowered.

Lilia arrived silently, placing his food before him and left without a word.

Killian’s cold gaze rested on Rosa seeing her frozen “Why did you stop eating?” he asked.

“Eat properly. You’re already tiny enough to disappear in this house.”

Rosa looked up at him, blinking. Did he just call me small? Am I really that tiny? The thought echoed in her mind as she stared at him wide eyed.

She was just short compared to him.

Killian’s lips twitched, not quite a smile but just a fleeting curl of amusement that vanished almost instantly.

“You’re a little thing, aren’t you?”

Rosa felt her cheeks heating. “I’m not small.” she said quietly and her brow furrowed, innocence shining through her gaze.

Killian leaned back in his chair, eyes gleaming darkly. “No?” he mused.

Rosa silently shook her head side to side and lowered her eyes earning another chuckle from him. Her lashes fluttered and she nibbled on the food.

She didn’t want him to see her blushing cheeks. She doesn’t know why she’s feeling so nervous. His presence alone is enough to make her heartbeat run faster.

Still, her heart fluttered at the thought of having dinner with him. No matter how cold and distant he was, her foolish heart betrayed her every time. It would always beat for him. Only him.

If it shatters her in the end, she will love him. Even if his love kills her, she will still love him.

Won’t she?

Innocent she promised herself.