"Wheeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiii! This is fricking awesome!" Ruby exclaimed joyfully as Dyrroth held her steady on top of the wyvern who glided along with the strong southern breeze that pushed them faster towards their destination. The dragon did some fancy flips and dips while making sure that his passengers stay with him completely giving the duo a whirlwind experience of fear, adrenaline, and excitement.

Ruby's outgoing, fearless, and death-defying personality is really amusing that Dyrroth couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. She also seems to be a great fan of speed, danger, and thrill showcasing how very similar they are in some places. The dragon also seems to be having fun since his master keeps on cheering him on and praising him making the demon jealous for her attention.

"Skywnn take us slow." Dyrroth instructed making the dragon flap his wings weaker and spread them wider to use the wind as the primary source of propulsion.

"By the way, Ruby. Where did you want to go? I can use the magic Selena taught me to blend us with the crowd even so, some people in Moniyan might see beyond our mist. What do you propose other than the empire?"

"Uhmm... What about Avalor? It's an independent faction from Moniyan but still pretty advanced and elegant. I've only been there a few times for hunting jobs but I think it's less crowded and there's barely anyone there who can match your magic so they won't see through your mist."

"Of course, whatever you want." Dyrroth said before directing Skywynn to Ruby's desired destination. Silence lingered after that but both of them knew that the other has something to ask or something to tell.

"Uhmm..." Ruby began.

"Yes?"

"Have you...? Are you... Uhm... Well, has my hair been bothering you? I think it must be uncomfortable to have it constantly slapping your face." Dyrroth knew that that wasn't the real inquiry that bothers her mind but he decided not to push it further.

"Oh, yes. It's gotten quite bothersome. I have some ribbons in my pocket. They were yours and I brought them along in case you needed them. Stay still, I'll do it for you." Ruby only nodded before lowering her head and letting Dyrroth gather her locks. The demon carefully and meticulously collected every strand of hair even though the wyvern's speed and the wind are making it almost impossible to do so before binding them in a sturdy and beautiful ribbon.

"Done."

"Thank you. That's very sweet of you."

"Anything for you." Ruby ignored his statement before conversing with him amicably.

"Oh, how do you plan on stashing Skywynn? We can't exactly park him, can we?"

"Skywynn is one of the smartest wyverns in my legion. He'll just wander around doing whatever before returning to us when called. He has his own custom dragon whistle so we can summon him anytime within minutes."

"Aww, I knew my firstborn baby would be very intelligent just like mommy. I can't wait to hatch our other dragon eggs. Though, will I be a good enough mother to all three of them? Grandma always said that raising a kid is a difficult task even with all the money in the world cause it's not just material but also effort."

"I think you'll be an excellent mother. Not just for our dragons but also our own babies." Dyrroth said before placing his hand on top of her tummy and rubbing it affectionately. A huge blush colored Ruby's cheeks before pursing her lips to keep quiet. Frankly, she doesn't know how to respond to his implications given that she plans on leaving him in days' time while he seems so dedicated, loyal, and... in love with her. Ruby doesn't want to break his heart because she knew first hand how painful being rejected and abandoned feels like.

She never told him this, but she's been in a very complicated relationship with Alucard before completely breaking up with him. She met Alucard on a hunting job while trying to save a village from demon attacks. He suddenly came and made everything easier. He defeated most of the demons and saved her ass a few times. They had a drink at a pub, though she only had a glass of wine while he had a barrel of beer and everything else. They talked about their adventures, discovered similarities, and shared some jokes. They parted after that but fate kept on bringing them together through dangerous quests or random strolls so they took a leap of faith and dated.

Alucard was a great boyfriend. He's caring, loving, handsome, and generous. There's barely any woman out there who wouldn't fall head over heels for him. For a time, Ruby was really happy. Being with Alucard filled the void in her life.

Of course, as he would often put it, nothing lasts forever. And so their relationship took a turn when he met Miya while on a mission in the Elven forest fighting back Alice and her demon forces. He was there for a while, fighting and to her ignorance... Flirting.

He didn't break up with her yet when he returned home but Ruby knew that something was wrong. He no longer looked at her with shining eyes, he no longer kissed her with passion, and he became more distant constantly taking on missions with some new comrade. Ruby grew suspicious but she didn't do anything nor acknowledged it. She kept pouring her heart out to him working and helping him protect the people that she sometimes forgot about herself. She didn't care if he had a mistress or was frolicking with some other girl, all she wanted was to have a part of his heart, and the fact that she's the person he goes home to satisfied her. It was enough. Being a part of his life is enough. Being his girlfriend though she may not be the only one was enough for her. She loved him. And he... Well he loved her too, right? He said so himself numerous times.

But then everything came crashing down when she got home and saw them. She saw him on top of her making noises and doing that stuff with no clothes on her bed. Her Bed.

She wanted to kill her. The bitch who stole her happiness. And she wanted to kill him for betraying her. The bastard who tricked her and told her that he loved her. Ever wondered why Dyrroth's I love you's repulsed her? Why she always turn away from every intimate affection he gives her? Well, he's why.

Ruby should really have murdered them. She can do it even if they were both more powerful and more experienced than her, Fenrir was coaxing her to kill them, to massacre them, to torture them, and watch as the light fade from their eyes. Their latest achievements and increase in power are no match for the primordial might of a god of destruction. The monster inside her was screaming, thrashing, and begging to be released. To unleash holy hell on those who dare disrespect her. So what did she do? What did the great Harbinger of Wolf do to the people who disrespected her? Well...

She cried and begged him to stay, to let her be his mistress like a pitiful little bitch telling him that she'll be a good girl and she'll be nice to Miya and all that bullshit. Of course, Alucard would have none of it. He thinks she's a psycho just by suggesting such a notion. She must have seemed so desperate, so pitiful, and so naive that they all laugh behind those guilty and pitying masks they wore.

In the end, he left her alone with no explanation and just vanished with all his things, leaving their apartment and all the memories they shared like shit on the side road. Even with that obvious message that he doesn't want to see her nor have anything to do with her ever again, Ruby still looked for Alucard to ask for an explanation and get back to him. He really did a good job at hiding but she's a better tracker. So in the span of 8 months, she found him and asked him why while pouring out all her heartaches and abandonment.

Ruby couldn't remember the exact details of what he said about why he left but the point is she was just a fling and Miya was better, prettier, stronger, and more matured. He liked Ruby but he loves Miya so it wasn't that much of a difficult choice. He left without notice because he knew how she would react that she might even summon Fenrir to tear everything apart. That's why he abandoned her because she was insufficient. Because she's not what he wanted.

God only knows the amount of potion Guinevere and Kagura have to make to calm her down and prevent her from killing herself and blasting the world to oblivion by helping Fenrir to be free. She actually almost considered doing it when she thought that the world should burn because she was sad and broken but Freya talked her out of it. Plus she doesn't even know where his real body is. No one knows.

With the help of magic and time, Ruby's wounds heal and she completely forgot about that memory. Until now that is since the potions she drank are probably losing effect. The potions her friends made allowed her to lead a normal life before the whole charade happened and because of that Alucard became more lenient with her and flirty again. He's a scoundrel that way, he deserved to die the most brutal death and experience the worst punishments of hell. Oh yeah, and that bitch Miya too should burn in hell and be raped by all the devils.

When Ruby pleaded for her to stop stealing the love of her life she literally spat on her face and pushed her to the ground before threatening to make her a target practice. Wow, she was such a pushover back then. Mainly because if she killed the bitch Alucard would hate her and she doesn't want that so she endured.

"Oh, look. That's the Azrya woodlands and the Tree of Life is still standing tall. I remember Thamuz trying to burn it to the ground to kill all those elves but that tree bark dude sacrificed himself to save it. What a killjoy. By the looks of it, the fire didn't even spread half of the forest how disappointing. Oh, did that statement make you uncomfortable? You're awfully quiet." Dyrroth voiced from behind her.

"Maybe..." she began with a hushed tone of reverie.

"Maybe Thamuz should have aimed from a higher altitude like where we are. He was on the ground so of course, it took more work and those elves can do something about it since they surround the tree but they can't fly. If you get dragons to blast it from here then those elves won't be able to do anything."

"Fenrir once told me a story about a very secured fortress long ago. It was the strongest and most impenetrable one that ever stood upon this earth but with one mighty breath from a tyrant's dragon, the proud walls melted like ice and the men in it burned alive. I'm sure wood and leaves will be nothing compared to that fortress. I would love to see how that bitch would suffer once her source of life is taken from her like what she put me through."

"And the blazing fire that dances and destroys everything in its path will be marvelous to see don't you think?" Dyrroth was suddenly astounded by her words. Ruby never spoke like that about anyone. Yes, she insults them and curses them but this... She is proposing a genocide plan as if she was merely discussing the weather over tea. There was no hint of guilt nor humor in her tone and expression just... Sinister apathy. Which is alarming but also exciting for the demon prince.

It was unlike her and yet it is a part of her, a part frequently kept hidden unless she is very pissed. A shark lurking in the deepest darkest corner of a pristine pure water. A wolf in sheep's clothing. And a beast in the guise of a woman.

He smiled. He knew from the beginning that this side of her exist. He saw it in her eyes but had no way of confirming its existence so he thought it's an illusion. In truth, he was never drawn to Ruby because she was good, pretty, and sweet. No. He's not that shallow. What really draws him in was the pool of darkness in her bright green eyes. If you look past the reflection of light in her orbs you will see the darkness that she so desperately tries to hide. The hatred, the spite, the brutality, and the bloodlust which her sweet smiles tried to hide enticed him. He saw it when they first fought, he saw it when he first visited her prison. Yes, there it is. The fire that he so wanted to release from the lamp where she cages it. He wanted to take that fire and let it burn everything. He wanted to know what would happen if he let it loose upon the world. Will it be beautiful? Will it be ugly? Will it kill or will it save? Will it burn bright and ignite and someday wither away or will it burn slowly and undestructively like candlelight? Is it an inferno or is it a match light? He wished that someday he will know the answer.

A grin stretched across his lips as he opened his mouth to answer her inquiry.

"I think it is an excellent plan. Next time, I will bring an army of dragons and do as you said. I will accomplish what Thamuz failed to do. I will melt their castle to the ground and cook those elves alive before serving them on a silver platter. How would you like that?"

"I would love it."

Her enthusiasm amused him. Her distaste for elves has been noted. He just wonders why that is.

🌹🌹🌹

They finally reached the outskirts of Avalor while making sure that nobody saw them land and arrive there. The conversation along the way was never again touched upon as Ruby went back to her normal self after passing the Azrya woodlands and seeing Avalor. Dyrroth helped her down although she explicitly made it clear that she didn't need his assistance yet the demon prince was very persistent so she just went with it anyway. Skywynn soon took off after the demon told him something in the demonic language before facing her.

"So where's your glamor spell?"

"Are you really that excited to see me in another appearance? I'm quite hurt my darling. Don't you like me better like this?"

"Aww, what makes you think that I like you in the first place? I hate your face whatever it might look like." Ruby said with humorous sarcasm making the prince chuckle.

Dyrroth took out an alexandrite from his pocket before opening his palm out and making glyphs appear in the air.

"Mutationem cutis." He chanted making the gem glow and engulf his body in a blinding light. Ruby had to close her eye to avoid losing her vision as Dyrroth transform in front of her.

When the light faded, the maiden immediately opened her eyes to see what appearance her companion has taken. Her jaw nearly dropped when she saw how amazing he's changed into. Dyrroth has completely transformed from a terrifying villain to a Byronic prince. His lavender skin tone became white while his hair gained color, a very nice chestnut brown like his eyes that mesmerized her. He wore a maroon tailcoat and a black vest like what a nobleman would wear complete with gloves and golden accents.

"You know, you're an infuriating woman. Stop staring at me like that with this face. You look like you'd drop your panties any moment now while you constantly maltreat and neglect my usual devilishly handsome face."

"Well, sorry you're looking really cute."

"Oh, really? Cute enough to get you in bed?" Dyrroth asked smugly. The captivated look in Ruby's eyes soon vanished because of his words.

"Don't be weird." she said with a flat face before pushing his face away.

"So, since we're not Ruby and Dyrroth today who are we supposed to be?"

"I'm Magnus Lancaster, a very rich jeweler among other things from a faraway place up north near the Dark Forest. I am traveling with my wife Scarlet Rose for a business trip and a date with her which will, later on, lead to lovemaking in a fancy hotel with a nice round bathtub." Dyrroth read from a parchment. "Yup, sounds like a good plan. Wanna skip the bullshit and go straight to the sex part?"

"What are you even saying? This paper is blank. Stop being weird. Let's just go with the Magnus theme but I'm like just you're bodyguard or something. I don't wanna be someone's wife. Plus Scarlet Rose sounds cliché."

"No, can't do. You're too cute to be a simple bodyguard and I even wore matching clothes. Just stick to the plan."

"Fine. I guess since I picked the place you can provide the disguise. Let's go in?"

"Not just yet. You need to wear this." Dyrroth said before presenting her with a black velvet box that perfectly fits his hand. The box was studded with gold and gems implying how expensive it is and its content.

"A wedding ring?" Ruby's mouth fell when she saw the intricately made golden ring designed to look like tangling rose vines studded with diamonds and in the center of it all is a shining piece of ruby that shone so much it was almost blinding. Dragon wings protrude from the sides of the ruby adding to its glamor. Truth be told, she's never seen anything nearly as pretty as this one. Even the ones in Princess Silvanna's possession pale in comparison to this.

"You sure it's okay for me to have this? It's so pretty." she commented as she ogles upon the accessory.

"Of course it's yours. I had it custom made and everything. Wanna try putting it on?"

"Sure." she replied with a beaming smile. Dyrroth took the ring from the box and inserted it into her ring finger which fitted perfectly.

"You've got some nice taste, Prince of Darkness. So how does it really work? You said it's like a tracker."

"Yes, it allows me to know your location and find you in a crowd but if you end up a certain distance from me then it will start to zap you mercilessly."

"What?! Then I don't want it anymore! Here have it back." Ruby grumbled angrily before trying to twist the ring off her finger. She was alarmed by the fact that no matter how hard she tried to pull it off, the ring just won't budge even a fraction of a millimeter so she turned to Dyrroth with a fierce glare.

"Take it off." she demanded while gritting her teeth with a feeling of betrayal.

"No. I will remove the zapping function but you must keep it. I worked so hard for this ring. I made it myself. It took me 345 tries to make this so that I could give it to you. I wanted to give you something I worked hard for not just something I asked someone to do. You don't have to wear it forever. You just need to keep it until our date ends and then you can return it. How's that?" Ruby took a moment to think before giving her reply.

"Fine."

"Good." Dyrroth mused grinning widely in victory.

🌹🌹🌹

"Wow, this city is also fancy. It almost looks as good as Moniyan." Ruby commented with sparkling eyes.

The pair are currently taking a leisure stroll along the wide streets of Avalor currently filled with myriads of shops and food stands offering a variety of enticing products to be purchased. Everywhere she looked is filled with flowers, decorations, music, and parties. Everything is just vibrant and lively and happy compared to the gloom, wrath, gore, and blood and lava of the Abyss. The change of scenery is really refreshing. It's rejuvenating even.

Ruby was extremely enjoying the freedom she's temporarily experiencing along with the merriment around her while Dyrroth just follows after her offering to buy any item she takes a liking to. So far Ruby hasn't chosen anything she wants even though the food products are coaxing her to have a taste. Frankly, she doesn't want Dyrroth to pamper her and buy things for her. It will only make her feel guilty for using his money and then leaving him so she refused him to the best of her abilities.

"I know I've been here before but views like this never gets old. What do you think?" she asked smiling at him.

"Yeah, I guess it's tolerable. It's less shiny and less crowded so I think it's better than the Lightborn capital."

"Cities are just captivating if you rarely visit them. Look at all the shops and stalls around. And the products are not half bad. The people seem very posh and snob but as long as they don't mind our biz, I don't care much." The two suddenly passed in front of an expensively dressed trio of women who eyed Ruby bitterly while they ogled upon Dyrroth.

"The guy is fine and all but why is he dating with a maid?" whispered one of them but it was heard loud and clear by the pair almost making Dyrroth walk up to her and pull her heart out if it weren't for Ruby's hand on his arm.

"He looks like he's from nobility based on his clothes so might just be a fling."

"She has a pretty ring. She's definitely the wife. Ack." sneered the another.

"God, her shoes are repulsive. Where did she get that? A dumpster? Even beggars have better shoes than her."

Dyrroth growled in annoyance after hearing those lowly humans insult his beloved. He was ready to beat them up to a pulp but Ruby squeezed his shoulder which immediately calmed him down.

"Well, my shoes have seen better days. It's fine though, as long as it's functional I'll continue using it. There's nothing wrong with it just a few holes and gapping soles."

"Ruby, this is clearly not suitable for you. It has reached the end of its service. Come on, I'll buy you a new pair."

Dyrroth dragged her to a fancy boutique with great reluctance from the maiden who doesn't like being spoiled and pampered like a princess. She doesn't want to be like one of those brats and snob rich girls so she only takes what is necessary and useful for her. Even before they were separated, Ruby would frequently refuse Dyrroth's gifts but as everyone knows, he's one hell of a persistent bastard. He just doesn't take no for an answer so Ruby just goes with the flow of his mood unless it's something major and serious then she would openly voice her thoughts and opposition regardless of his persistence. She should really learn how to control Dyrroth and his forceful tendencies even if they're for good intentions. His attitude might bring more trouble for everyone and he might get too comfortable manipulating and telling her what to do which is going to be unhealthy in a relationship.

Anyhow, why would she even bother herself to do so if she's going to leave him soon enough? Might as well make him happy while it lasts.

It's surely going to be a very difficult decision since she's grown quite... Familiar with the Abyss, its residents, and their prince but this is not her home. It's not where she's supposed to be. At least, not where her mind tells her she should be based on basic logic. That place is very dangerous. She's seen firsthand what kind of hostile things linger in that chasm, she even has the scars to prove it.

"These are all very beautiful and expensive. How can we even afford it? Do you have money? Dyrroth you can't just take things here we'll get in trouble." she asked as she felt the sales lady's piercing gaze on them.

"What made you think that I'll smuggle them? I'm filthy rich, I can buy you the whole store and everything else in this city including the lives of the people who insulted you."

"Now you're just being arrogant. Let's just go to a cheaper store. I'm sure we'll find something good there too."

"No. You don't settle for nothing less but the best. Trust me. I have money. Now start choosing whatever you want."

"Fine, if you insist." Ruby began taking a look around the store. All the footwear she saw was glamorous, special, and of course, hella expensive. She tried looking for the cheapest one with at least a two-digit price tag but the least expensive one she saw was worth hundreds of gold.

"On second thought, I wouldn't be able to pay for any of these even if I work myself to the bone so let's just leave."

"You're such a stubborn woman." Dyrroth groaned before taking a pair of black stilettos with authentic golden heels and a bright red ribbon in the middle.

"Here, just try these. You've been constantly eyeing it with a one-minute interval so it must be what you like. You're a seven, right? This size is correct. Come on, try it on."

"Uhm... Sir that's the limited edition Queen Ruby slippers created by Ferrer Amante. There are only 5 copies of it around the world. It's at least a 7-digit price tag." informed the woman overseeing the shop.

"Do I look like I care?" Dyrroth spat as he watched Ruby put on the footwear. She stood up and tried walking with the heels which almost made the lady faint.

"It's pretty comfortable and surprisingly light. I like it."

"Great, we'll take two just in case you trip and ruin this pair. Nevertheless, I'll still catch you. Anyways, do you have anything else you'd like to add?" Dyrroth pulled out a card from his coat and handed it to the woman whose jaw nearly dropped on the floor when she saw what type of card he has.

"Wait, is that the black card from Golden Lion Treasury Bank?"

"Yeah, why?" Dyrroth merely responded as if it was the most trivial thing in the world.

"That's an unmaxable card! I've only seen Princess Silvanna with one as well as Guinevere. How did you get one given you're... Well... You?"

"My love, I have at least a dozen bank accounts in almost every nation there is. Gold never changes its value no matter the country and I have lots of those. Money is a necessary part of being evil and executing plans. Don't put your pretty head about it too much. Here. I even made one for you when I went to the Empire. Thought it might motivate you in coming home with me but seeing that you never left I'll give it to you as a reward." Dyrroth handed her another shiny black card where her name is printed in bold golden letters making her gape in awe. She couldn't formulate any comprehensible words since his gift is very extravagant and refusing would be very rude and maybe even reckless considering he went all the effort to have it made.

God, this is another guilt item on her list. She'll just leave it in Terizla's house with a note or something. It'll be too much to take it with her and too selfish. Ruby took a deep breath and composed herself before opening her mouth to speak.

"Thank you. It's a bit over the top considering we're not married-married in my vocabulary but thanks. Although I doubt I'll have much use for it since you're going to destroy the whole world and all that stuff."

"Don't worry you can select a few shops and people who you want to live unless it's a man who you have romantic feelings for. You can keep them as slaves or something."

"Okay... We're gonna work on that thought but for now. Let's have breakfast. Or brunch considering it's almost 12." Ruby suggested with a disturbed smile.

"Of course, I almost forgot that you only had bread and water along the way. Is there really nothing else you want after knowing our financial capacity?" Dyrroth suggested gesturing towards a shelf filled with glimmering pairs of footwear.

"Uhmm well... Maybe a few more wouldn't hurt.

🌹🌹🌹

"When you said a few more I didn't think that you would really humor my offer about buying the whole shop. Or at least buying every nice item they have, which is quite a lot since they're really high end. And you also shopped from every single store there is. I think you even maxed out one of my infinity cards."

"Sorry, watching me try stuff on for hours probably bored you to death." Ruby apologized as they dine in a five-star hotel surrounded by at least 50 shopping bags.

"Not really. I kinda liked playing dress-up with you. I get to see you in different looks and then I get to fantasize how I'm going to tear them apart later when we do it. So, finally decided to let your hubby spoil you?" Dyrroth teased giving her an amused smirk as Ruby ate her steak.

"Well, I've never really had the privilege to own stuff like these. As you know I didn't come from money like you so I have to make do."

"You can forget about that life now because as long as you're with me, I'm going to make sure that you have whatever you want. Unless it's a divorce." Ruby chuckled at his statement nearly choking on her steak before slapping him on the arm.

"So where do you want to go next? We've had a go in so many food stalls that I don't know why we're still having lunch. Did I get you pregnant or something that's why you're eating for two people?"

"Bold of you to assume that your little eggplant can put a baby in my tummy. We haven't even done it. Plus, I usually eat this amount before I fell into the Abyss. I'm a growing girl and growing girls need nutrients."

"That you are my little princess. That you are." Dyrroth mused with a wide grin as he eyed her chest adoringly.

"As for our next destination, I would like to see a play in Avalor's golden theater. Avalor is well known for its famous plays and tragic stories. I've always wanted to see one I just don't have the proper clothes to attend a theater show nor the money to buy myself a ticket."

"Aren't those things extremely boring? What's so exciting about watching other people live their miserable lives and kiss and kill each other when you can do it in real life?"

"Fair point. But on the good side, we can sit together for hours in the dark and hold hands."

"Really Ruby? You're bribing me with holding hands?" he laughed amused with her endeavor of negotiation.

"Fine, I'll kiss you. On the lips."

"A very enticing offer but I must decline. As much as I love to ravish those soft pink lips of yours, I can't stand the fact that you're basically prostitution yourself just to get what you want."

"Ahh, you're right." Ruby sighed with disappointment to herself. "How can I have fallen so low as to use my body to get you to come with me to a play? I don't know myself anymore."

"It's okay. It's my fault for making you think that you need to give me something in exchange for everything I give you. I have learned from Lunox and Selena that in love, you just give and don't demand something in return because that won't be love at all. It'll just be commerce or some capitalistic shit. So if you're going to kiss me, I need you to do it willingly and not for a price. We'll go to the play if that's what you want and no conditions."

"Aww, did you just grow a heart? I'm so touched that you're putting so much effort into growing just for me. Even though there's no assurance that I'll ever love you, it's... sweet." Ruby said as she placed her hand on top of his.

"Ahh, well I don't even understand anything I'm doing anymore but all I know is that I like you. I like you a lot."

"Noted. And since we're done here why don't we move on to our next destination? I heard that Cecilion will be playing this afternoon. I don't know who he is, but they say that his plays are the best. I can't wait to put on the new dress we bought. It looks amazing." Ruby enunciated excitedly making the demon prince smile in amusement as she pulled him up from his seat and dragged him in another adventure.